Describing a Camel in Arabic

The standard word for camel in Arabic is 'Jamal'. However, describing a camel in Arabic isn't as simple as that - it is estimated that there are actually over 100 words in Arabic for the humble camel.

Camels are not only described by the standard word for camel, or even by words describing a male or female animal. They can be described using a plethora of terms relating to their appearance, function, character, temperament, physical disposition, even their drinking behaviour. You can find a specific word for a camel that is strong or stout, white coloured, white with a coloured tail, tall, short, docile, hungry, thirsty, and so on. There are even specific words for camels that are frightened of everything, love to eat everything, that are difficult to catch, or are always the first to the watering hole!

If 100 words for describing a camel seems excessive, it might be worth noting that in times gone by, over 1,000 words could be used to describe these desert animals.