khawa khawa خاوة خاوة
Algerian Darja · expression
“khawa khawa” (خاوة خاوة) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning we are brothers.
Meanings
- we are brothers
- slogan of brotherhood and unity
Usage
Khawa khawa literally means "brothers brothers". This formula expresses brotherhood between two groups and is used mostly as a slogan. It is chanted in stadiums and at demonstrations, for example "Djazair-Maghrib khawa khawa" or "jaych cha3b khawa khawa" ("the army and the people are brothers"). It was very prominent during the Hirak. It is also used, more casually, to ease a tension or to remind people that they consider themselves close. Its register is popular and affectionate. It is placed after the two terms being brought together, with no verb.
Example
الجزاير وتونس خاوة خاوة
dzayer w tounes khawa khawa
“Algeria and Tunisia are brothers.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “khawa khawa” but also “5awa 5awa” and “khaoua khaoua”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 5 is kha (خ), like the ch in Scottish loch.