لم أتوقع أبداً

Grammatically, this phrase is a classic example of the Egyptian 'negation sandwich.' You start with ما (ma), add the verb توقعت (tawaqqa't - meaning 'I expected'), and then seal it with the suffix ش (sh). That 'sh' is the secret sauce of Arabic dialects. It doubles down on the negation. Finally, you add أبدا (abadan) at the end. This word means 'never' or 'at all.' It provides that extra punch of drama. You can use it as a standalone reaction or follow it with a noun or a full sentence to explain what you didn't expect.

This phrase is incredibly versatile. Use it when a friend shows up with a radical new haircut. Use it when a movie ending leaves you staring at the screen in silence. It is perfect for texting when someone drops a bombshell piece of gossip. If you are at a restaurant and the bill is much cheaper than you thought, tell the waiter ماتوقعتش أبدا. It makes the moment feel more genuine. It is also great for professional wins, like getting a promotion you thought was out of reach. It shows a nice mix of humility and excitement.

Avoid using this for things that were actually predictable. If you didn't study for an exam and you failed, saying ماتوقعتش أبدا will make you look a bit silly. It is for genuine surprises, not logical consequences! Also, try to avoid the ش (sh) suffix in extremely formal academic writing or legal contexts. In those cases, you would switch to Modern Standard Arabic and say لم أتوقع أبداً. Using the dialect version in a court of law might make you sound a bit too casual for the judge's liking.

In Arab cultures, especially in Egypt, expression and storytelling are high art forms. People love to share stories with high emotional stakes. Using a phrase like this is like a social hook. It invites the listener to ask 'Why? What happened?' It bridges the gap between speakers. There is also a cultural element of 'Inshallah' (God willing). Since the future is seen as unpredictable, expressing shock when things go a certain way is a very human, relatable way to acknowledge that we aren't always in control.

If you want to sound even more casual, you can say ماكنتش فاكر (I didn't think). If your mind is truly blown, try ماجاش على بالي خالص (It didn't cross my mind at all). For a more 'religious' or traditional vibe of surprise, people often say سبحان الله (Glory to God), which is used for both beautiful and shocking surprises. If you are in the Levant (Lebanon or Syria), you might hear ما توقعت بنوب (Ma tawaqqa't bnob), which uses their specific word for 'at all.'