chaouch الشاوش
Algerian Darja · noun
“chaouch” (الشاوش) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning usher, orderly, doorkeeper.
Meanings
- usher, orderly, doorkeeper
- prison guard
- school attendant
Usage
The chaouch is the junior employee in charge of reception and errands in an administration, court or school: he guards the door, passes on documents and shows visitors in. The word is also used colloquially for a prison guard. It often carries a slightly pejorative nuance when applied to someone who obeys without real power. Contrary to the reference definition, it does not mean a chief or a leader. Algerian French has also borrowed the word as "chaouch".
Example
الشاوش ما خلانيش ندخل للمكتب
chaouch ma khallanich nodkhol lel maktab
“The usher didn't let me into the office.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “chaouch” but also “chawech”, “chaouche”, “chawch” and “echaouch”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.