ahchem احشم
Algerian Darja · verb
“ahchem” (احشم) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning shame on you! have some decency!.
Meanings
- shame on you! have some decency!
- to be shy, embarrassed
Usage
Ahchem (or hchem) is the imperative of the verb hcham, "to be ashamed", "to be modest". It is used to reproach someone for behavior considered improper: "ahchem 3la rouhek" (shame on you, literally "be ashamed for yourself"). The tone is disapproving, sometimes harsh when addressed to an adult. The same verb is also used to talk about shyness: "rani nahcham" (I feel embarrassed), and the noun "hechma" means shame or modesty, an important social value. The feminine is "ahchmi", the plural "ahchmou".
Example
أحشم على روحك، راك راجل كبير!
ahchem 3la rouhek, rak rajel kbir!
“Shame on you, you're a grown man!”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ahchem” but also “ahcham”, “hchem”, “a7chem” and “ahchm”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.