keskas كسكاس
Algerian Darja · noun
“keskas” (كسكاس) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning perforated top of the couscous steamer.
Meanings
- perforated top of the couscous steamer
- couscous steamer (whole utensil)
Usage
The keskas is the basket pierced with holes that is set on top of the pot (barma or gdra) to steam couscous. In French, people often say "couscoussier" for the whole set, but strictly speaking keskas only refers to the upper part. It is also used to steam other dishes, such as meat or vegetables. The word is common in all Algerian kitchens. For example: hott el keskas fouq el barma, "put the keskas on the pot".
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “keskas” but also “kaskas”, “kesskas”, “keskes” and “kaskass”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “keskas” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “upper part of couscous steamer”: keskas in Moroccan.