kekh كخ
Algerian Darja · interjection
“kekh” (كخ) is an interjection in Algerian Darja meaning yuck, that's dirty (to children).
Meanings
- yuck, that's dirty (to children)
- ugh, expression of disgust
Usage
Kekh, also kakh or kekhi, is an interjection used when talking to small children. It is said in a firm tone when a child reaches for something dirty, puts an object in their mouth or touches the floor. It means both "that's dirty" and "don't touch". It is often followed by ma tqisch, "don't touch". Between adults, it is used jokingly or to express disgust, much like "yuck". The register is familiar and domestic.
Example
كخ! ما تقيسش هاديك، راهي موسخة
kekh! ma tqisch hadik, rahi mwesskha
“Yuck! Don't touch that, it's dirty.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “kekh” but also “kakh” and “kekhi”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “kekh” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “dirty, don't touch”; “yuck, disgust”: ka5 in Moroccan.