From “eih ya Safi da (what are you saying Safi)” to “da point wala msh point (is that a point or not)”, Romanseya Manseya (Forgotten Romance) – and the now-famous phrases that are associated with it – has grown to become more than a mere internet phenomenon. Ever since it was first aired in November 2017, Romanseya Manseya introduced Egyptian audiences to a new and refreshing type of entertainment, one that seemed to quickly catch on with ‘younger, internet-driven’ generations. These seven to 13 minute videos revolve around two main hosts, Ahmed Safi and Yahia El Sady, competing against each other to make their guest female laugh using pick up lines they came up with that are tailored to fit her likes and interests. Each of the hosts get a turn to use one of their well-thought-out pick-up lines and if it makes the girl laugh, they get a point. The show itself was the brainchild of local advertising agency Peace Cake. “We were at the Peace Cake office, just goofing around, and I jokingly used this pick up line with my co-worker Randa, and then Safi tried to…
The Art of Pick Up Lines: How ‘Romanseya Manseya’ Reflects on Egypt’s Dating Culture
February 23, 2020
