kifakult

Kifakult is a term of Arabic origin, commonly used in informal spoken Arabic dialects, particularly in the Levant region. It is a colloquial expression that translates roughly to "How are you?" or "What's up?". The word is a compound of "kif" meaning "how" and "halak" or "halik" which translates to "your condition" or "your state," with the ending varying based on whether one is addressing a male or female.

The usage of kifakult is widespread and can be employed in a variety of social settings, from casual encounters with friends and family to brief interactions with acquaintances. It serves as a polite greeting and an opening to a conversation, often eliciting a reciprocal inquiry about the speaker's well-being. While primarily spoken, it is also understood in written informal communication, such as text messages and social media. The term's popularity stems from its simplicity and its directness in inquiring about another person's state. There are variations of this greeting across different Arabic-speaking regions, but kifakult remains a recognizable and frequently used expression.