jamed جامد
Algerian Darja · adjective
“jamed” (جامد) is an adjective in Algerian Darja meaning hard, solid, rigid.
Meanings
- hard, solid, rigid
- hardened, unfeeling (heart, person)
- tough, sturdy
Usage
In Algeria, jamed is pronounced with a j (often written djamed) and first describes a hard or set material: stale bread, dry earth, a rigid object. Figuratively, it describes a hardened or pitiless person, notably in qalbou jamed ("he has a hard heart"). It can also refer to someone sturdy who can take a beating. Feminine jamda, plural jamdin. The spelling gamed, with a g, and the meaning "great, awesome" given by some sources belong to Egyptian slang. That is not common Algerian usage, and jamed should not be used to compliment something.
Example
الخبز ولّى جامد، ما يتّاكلش
el khobz wella jamed, ma yettaklech
“The bread has gone hard, it can't be eaten.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “jamed” but also “djamed”, “jamad” and “gamed”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.