karakou كاراكو
Algerian Darja · noun
“karakou” (كاراكو) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning traditional Algiers women's outfit.
Meanings
- traditional Algiers women's outfit
- embroidered jacket of this outfit
Usage
The karakou is the traditional costume of women from Algiers: a fitted jacket, often made of velvet, richly embroidered with gold thread, worn with wide seroual trousers. The word refers to the jacket alone or to the whole outfit. Today it is worn mainly at weddings and celebrations, notably during the tasdira, where the bride presents several outfits. It is associated with Algiers, but it is known and worn throughout the country. The word is used as is, including in English: one says "a karakou". It should not be confused with the caraco, a European garment.
Example
لبسات كاراكو نهار العرس.
lebset karakou nhar el 3ers.
“She wore a karakou on the day of the wedding.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “karakou” but also “karako” and “karakow”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.