When Everything Is Soap: Wisdom and Irony in an Arab Proverb

One of the more intriguing proverbs in Arab culture is:
"كله عند العرب صابون" — "Everything is soap to Arabs."

At first glance, it might sound puzzling or even humorous. But like many sayings passed down through generations, it carries layers of cultural insight and subtle irony. This proverb is often used to describe someone who struggles—or refuses—to distinguish between things that are clearly different. It’s a light-hearted way to point out when someone treats all options, ideas, or items as if they're essentially the same. Just as someone unfamiliar with fine soaps might see them all as “just soap,” this phrase suggests a lack of discernment or nuance.

Interestingly, while the expression pokes fun at this kind of oversimplification, it does so in a way that reflects the Arab tradition of wit and self-awareness. It's often used in jest, and not necessarily as a harsh critique.

There’s also a layer of irony baked into the proverb: Arabs were some of the earliest pioneers in the art of soap-making. As early as the 8th century, soap was being produced in the Arab world with exceptional care and craftsmanship, using natural ingredients like olive oil, laurel oil, and aromatic herbs. In fact, the city of Aleppo in Syria is often considered the birthplace of hard soap as we know it today. Its centuries-old tradition of producing Aleppo soap—a time-honored blend of olive oil and laurel oil—spread across the Mediterranean and into Europe, influencing the very concept of hygiene and artisanal soap.

At Mint + Laurel, we’re proud to carry on this rich legacy by offering authentic, hand-crafted Aleppo soap. Sourced directly from master soapmakers in Syria, our soap is made using the same traditional methods passed down for generations—free of synthetic additives, and packed with the nourishing properties of olive and laurel oils. Each bar tells a story—not just of cleanliness and care, but of cultural preservation, resilience, and craftsmanship. So while the saying goes that "everything is soap," we know better: not all soaps are created equal.

The proverb "كله عند العرب صابون" is more than just a catchy phrase. It reminds us of the importance of discernment, the wit embedded in language, and the enduring power of tradition. And in a world where it’s easy to treat things as interchangeable, we believe in celebrating what makes something truly unique—just like our Aleppo soap.