chachiya شاشية

Algerian Darja · noun

“chachiya” (شاشية) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning wool beanie.

Meanings

1. wool beanie
2. chechia, traditional skullcap

Usage

Chachiya today mainly refers to the wool hat worn in winter against the cold. One says lbes chachiya, "put on a hat". The word also refers to the traditional felt skullcap, often red, worn by older men, which French calls a chéchia. The context shows which is meant. The usual plural is chwachi. An everyday word, with no particular connotation. Pitfall: chechia mainly evokes the traditional headwear, whereas in Algeria the most frequent meaning is the simple wool hat.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “chachiya” but also “chachia”, “shashiya”, “chechia” and “chachiyya”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “chachiya” on the Arabic keyboard

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “chechia, red felt cap”: chechia in Tunisian.