rafed chnayfou رافد شنايفو
Algerian Darja · expression
“rafed chnayfou” (رافد شنايفو) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning haughty, putting on airs.
Meanings
- haughty, putting on airs
- sulking, pouting
Usage
Rafed chnayfou literally means "he lifts his lips". Chnayef means lips, with a colloquial nuance. The expression describes someone who thinks they are superior, snubs others or wears a disdainful look. Depending on context, it can also describe someone who is sulking. The register is colloquial and often mocking. It agrees with the person targeted: rafda chnayefha for the feminine, rafdin chnayefhom for the plural. It is often used after rah, "he is". It should not be taken literally: it refers to an attitude, not to an actual gesture.
Example
شوفو راه رافد شنايفو، ما يسلّمش على حتى واحد
chouf rah rafed chnayfou, ma ysellemch 3la hatta wahed
“Look at him acting all haughty, he doesn't greet anyone.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “rafed chnayfou” but also “rafed chnaifou”, “rafed chnayfo” and “rafed chnayef”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.