Persian

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Etymology

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خاک (xâk, earth, dust) +‎ بر (bar, on) +‎ سر (sar, head). Pouring dust on the head was traditionally a sign of extreme grief. In insults, it may also imply death and burial.

Pronunciation

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Readings
Classical reading? xāk bar sar
Dari reading? xāk bar sar
Iranian reading? xâk bar sar
Tajik reading? xok bar sar

Adjective

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خاک بر سر (xâk bar sar)

  1. (figurative) wretched; miserable; in extreme grief
  2. (offensive) Used in strong insults.
    خاک بر سرم.
    xâk bar sar-am.
    I should go kill myself.
    (literally, “Dust on my head.”)
    (e.g. after making a serious mistake)
    خاک بر سر تو!
    xâk bar sar-e to!
    Go kill yourself!
    (literally, “Dust on your head!”)