gwar ڨوار
Algerian Darja · noun
“gwar” (ڨوار) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning Europeans, Westerners (plural).
Meanings
- Europeans, Westerners (plural)
- French people (in particular)
- non-Muslim foreigners
Usage
Gwar is the plural of gawri, which refers to a European or a Westerner, and often more precisely a French person. The word is very common in Algeria, in conversation as in the diaspora: "el gwar" (the Europeans), "bled el gwar" (the land of the Europeans, Europe). The tone is most often neutral or informal. Depending on context, it can take a mocking or distant nuance, evoking someone who does not share local codes. The feminine singular is gawriya. To speak politely about a person, it is better to specify their nationality.
Example
جاو ڨوار يزوروا الصحرا
jaw gwar yzouro sahra
“Europeans came to visit the Sahara.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “gwar” but also “gouar”, “gwer”, “gouer” and “gawar”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.