«زَيِّ الطَّبْلْ صُوتْ عَالِي وِجُوفْ خَالِي»

The saying mocks someone who talks big and constantly, yet whose words carry no real substance. A drum booms only because it is empty inside; the louder the boasting, the clearer the hollowness. Its word for "voice" belongs to proverbial phrasing; everyday speech typically uses a different word for sound.

A second reading is also possible. The empty interior may point to material want rather than empty ideas, so the image can describe a poor person with nothing to show who nonetheless chatters at length. Both readings remain open, and context decides which one is meant.

Aim it at a boastful talker whose claims lack weight, or at someone with little behind them who still talks endlessly. It is dismissive and mocking and may offend if aimed directly at someone, so it suits banter or criticism rather than polite conversation.