msemmen مسمن
Algerian Darja · noun
“msemmen” (مسمن) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning square flaky flatbread.
Meanings
- square flaky flatbread
Usage
Msemmen is a flaky flatbread of square shape. It is made by stretching a dough of semolina and/or flour, oiling it and folding it several times before cooking it in a pan. It is eaten at breakfast or as an afternoon snack, with honey, butter or milky coffee, and is made a lot during Ramadan and festivals. The word is used as is in French by the diaspora ("des msemmen"). There are variants stuffed with onions, minced meat or tomato. Not to be confused with mhadjeb, which is always stuffed.
Example
يما دارت المسمن مع العسل للقهوة
yemma dart el-msemmen m3a el-3sel lel-9ahwa
“Mom made msemmen with honey for the coffee.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “msemmen” but also “msemen”, “mssemen” and “msamen”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.