lkheer w l'khmeer الخير والخمير
Algerian Darja · expression
“lkheer w l'khmeer” (الخير والخمير) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning abundance, plenty of goods.
Meanings
- abundance, plenty of goods
- well-laden table
Usage
Lkhir w lkhmir is a fixed expression pairing two words that sound alike. Lkhir means goodness, prosperity. Lkhmir refers to leaven, hence what makes bread rise. The expression describes a prosperous household or an abundant table. It is used mainly to talk about food, provisions and livelihood. It can also serve as a wish, along the lines of "may the house be full of lkhir w lkhmir". It has a traditional flavor and is heard more among older people. Young people rarely use it.
Example
دار جدي كان فيها الخير والخمير
dar jeddi kan fiha lkhir w lkhmir
“At my grandfather's house there was plenty of everything.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, it is written “lkheer w l'khmeer”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.