gawri ڨاوري
Algerian Darja · noun
“gawri” (ڨاوري) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning European, Westerner.
Meanings
- European, Westerner
- non-Muslim foreigner
- Westernized person
Usage
Gawri (feminine gawriya, plural gwer) refers to a Western foreigner, most often a European, and in particular a French person. The word originally meant "non-Muslim". Today it is common and often neutral, but it can be mocking or distant depending on the tone. It is also used to tease an Algerian, for example an emigrant, who behaves "in a European way": rak wellit gawri. It is also used as an adjective: lebsa gawriya, a Western-style outfit. Best avoided in front of the person concerned if you are not familiar with them.
Example
جات وحدة ڨاورية تسقسي على الطريق
jat wa7da gawriya tsa9si 3la tri9
“A European woman came asking for directions.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “gawri” but also “gaouri”, “gaori” and “gawriya”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “gawri” on the Arabic keyboard
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “European, Westerner”; “Western foreigner”: gawri in Tunisian.