Ars (slang)

Ars (Hebrew: ערס `ars), or Arsim (the plural in Hebrew) is a derogatory Hebrew slang term derived from the Arabic word for pimp.^[1] It is usually used to denote a certain ethnic stereotype: low-class men of Mizrahi origin who associate with a certain macho subculture.^[2] An ars is typically crude, uses vulgar language, hangs out with criminal types and wears flashy clothing and jewelry.^[3][4][5] Those who pretend to be arses but lack the confidence of a typical ars are referred to by the slang term "Ars TzaAtzua" (Toy ars).

The term derives its origin from the Arabic word Ars (Arabic: عرص, ʿarṣ) – which means shepherd, and is used colloquially to refer to pimps (who "shepherd" prostitutes).

While ars originated as a derogatory term for Mizrahim, it is also used for members of other ethnicities in Israeli society,^[3][2] such as Russian-speaking immigrants or young men of Ethiopian origin.^[6]

In 2013, an Israeli labor court ruled that a prospective employer discriminated against a Mizrahi applicant by calling him an ars.^[7][8] This case set the precedent for recognizing the term ars as a racial epithet.^[7][8]

In 2014, a documentary series called Arsim uFrekhot (frekha is a feminine equivalent epithet aimed at Mizrahi women) was broadcast on Israeli television.^[9][10] The series examines the history of discrimination against Mizrahim and the social norms of white privilege versus Mizrahi marginalization as they appear in Israeli society.^[11]

The mannerisms associated with pimps in the early days of the State of Israel, which formed the basis of the stereotypical ars: lack of education, associating with criminals, being prone to violence, hailing from low class neighborhoods, dressing in loud clothing, wearing gold chain necklaces or bracelets and using vulgar speech.^[2] Related terms used by the Ashkenazi majority were "pushtak" (vacuous) and "tchakh-chakh" (riffraff).^[2]

Sometimes the word ars is "feminized" by adding a feminine suffix (arsit), although it is not commonly used for women. The word frekha is the closest feminine epithet that is applied to Mizrahi women.^[5] A "frekha" is the implied partner, neighbor, or relative of the ars, but the characteristics ascribed to her are different – the frekha is low-class, dresses gaudily, wears too much makeup, has long and brightly colored nails; she is flighty, shallow, a slave to fashion, and uneducated.^[12][13]

Dudu Faruk is a comedic character and musician based off the "ars" stereotype. His songs include "Arak Arak Arak" ^[14] and ״Tik Tok".^[15]

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