Greek · 6 phrases
The Terraces
Greek football is fervent, tribal, and permanently convinced the referee has been bought. Here's the stadium soundtrack — the roar at the ref, the accusations of corruption, and the rivalry nicknames that are banter among friends and a spark for trouble among strangers.
μπες μέσα! bes mésa! bess MEH-sah Get stuck in! / Get in there! — urging a player to fight harder. διαιτητή! diaïtití! thyeh-tee-TEE Ref!! — the roar of collective outrage at the official. στραβός είσαι; stravós eísai? strah-VOHSS EE-seh Are you blind?! — screamed at the referee (or anyone who missed the obvious). γαύρος gávros GHAH-vross Derogatory fan-slang for supporters of Olympiacos (used by rivals). πουλημένε! pouliméne! poo-lee-MEH-neh You've been bought! / You're on the take! — accusing the ref of corruption. βάζελος vázelos VAH-zeh-loss Derogatory fan-slang for supporters of Panathinaikos (used by rivals).