Rabiz, more than a word, it’s a lifestyle

The Armenian word rabiz is perhaps an abbreviation of the Russian (Rabotniki Iskusstva, “Workers of Art”), a Soviet organization into which performers of folk music were once associated.

It is a popular modern Armenian music style. Shows Middle Eastern influences and is related to Russian blatnyak and Azeri mugham. Considered tasteless and vulgar by educated people.

In slang it is a member of Armenian hillbilly subculture embracing rabiz music, exhibiting materialistic flamboyancy, using strong blend of Russian and Armenian slang words, wearing matching sport suit, sunglasses and shoes called (cicak).

Rabiz (n). A slang word describing a social class of Armenians that exhibit socially questionable behaviors. The “rabiz” are similar to the “redneck” class of Americans, the “nigger” of African-Americans, and the “chunt” of Mexicans. Those typicalled dubbed “rabiz” by the Armenian community generally exhibit the following characteristics, although this is not a definitive list:

1. materialistic flamboyancy,

2. the desire to wear sunglasses on all occasions, regardless of weather conditions,

3. formal clothing typically consisting of imitation Italian leather shoes, slacks, and collared silk shirts,

4. strong blend of Russian and Armenian slang words

5. “rabiz” music which, ironically, is an adaptation of Turkish songs adapted for a rabiz-Armenian audience.

6. strong body odors, prominently onions.

7. over-confidence of “picking up” girls regardless of location, occasion, or setting. “Pick-up” joints are commonly: high schools, community colleges, weddings, restaurants, and street corners, although almost any situation is fair game.Rabiz, more than a word, it’s a lifestyle.

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