ma tahchamch ما تحشمش
Algerian Darja · expression
“ma tahchamch” (ما تحشمش) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning aren't you ashamed?.
Meanings
- aren't you ashamed?
- don't be shy, don't feel awkward
Usage
Very common formula of reproach, with a questioning intonation: "ma tahchamch?", that is "aren't you ashamed?". It comes from the verb "hcham", to be ashamed or embarrassed, and changes with the person addressed: "ma tahchmich" for the feminine, "ma tahachmouch" for the plural. Said in an advisory tone, it can mean the opposite, "don't be shy, don't hesitate", for example to invite someone to help themselves. Only the intonation distinguishes the two meanings. The register is familiar, but the expression is not vulgar.
Example
ما تحشمش؟ تهدر هكا مع يماك!
ma tahchamch? tahder haka m3a yemmak!
“Aren't you ashamed? Talking like that to your mother!”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ma tahchamch” but also “ma t7chamch” and “ma te7chemch”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.