chin شين
Algerian Darja · adjective
“chin” (شين) is an adjective in Algerian Darja meaning ugly, unattractive.
Meanings
- ugly, unattractive
- bad, shameful
Usage
Chin means "ugly" in the physical sense. It also describes behavior or things judged bad or unworthy. It is often paired with hchouma to condemn an act, as in "chin bezzaf". The feminine is china and the plural chinin. For physical appearance, many Algerians use khayeb instead. Chin keeps a stronger moral or evaluative nuance. The word is informal and common in speech, but not vulgar. The related noun is echchin, "ugliness, the ugly thing".
Example
هاذ الحاجة شينة، ما تديرهاش.
had el 7aja china, ma tdirhach.
“This is a bad thing, don't do it.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “chin” but also “shin”, “chine”, “shane” and “chiin”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.