rak kbir راك كبير
Algerian Darja · expression
“rak kbir” (راك كبير) is an expression in Algerian Darja meaning you're too old for that.
Meanings
- you're too old for that
- grow up, you're an adult
Usage
Rak kbir literally means "you are big". It is not used to talk about size: it is a reproach, often ironic, aimed at someone who says something silly or behaves childishly. The meaning is "you're past the age of saying or doing that". The expression is very well known in Algeria and often serves as a mocking retort, on social media as among friends. The feminine is rak kbira; the plural is rakom kbar. The tone is informal. With an elder, use it with caution, as the remark can come across as insolent.
Example
باركا من هاد اللعب، راك كبير
barka men had la3b, rak kbir
“Enough of these games, you're too old for them.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “rak kbir” but also “rak kbiir” and “rak kebir”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.