mechmoum مشموم

Algerian Darja · noun

“mechmoum” (مشموم) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning bouquet of flowers.

Meanings

1. bouquet of flowers
2. small fragrant posy (jasmine)

Usage

Mechmoum literally means "what one smells" and refers to a bouquet of flowers, especially fragrant ones such as jasmine, basil or roses. It is offered at celebrations, weddings or on a visit. The word has a traditional flavour; in everyday urban speech, bouquet, a borrowing from French, is also heard. It is often followed by the name of the flower: mechmoum ward, mechmoum yasmine.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mechmoum” but also “meshmoum” and “mchmoum”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “mechmoum” on the Arabic keyboard

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “small jasmine bouquet”; “scented flower”: machmoum in Tunisian.