rfes رفس
Algerian Darja · verb
“rfes” (رفس) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to trample, to step on.
Meanings
- to trample, to step on
- to kick
Usage
Rfes means to step on something or someone, to trample, to crush underfoot. It can also mean to kick, like an animal that lashes out. It takes 3la: rfes 3lih, "he stepped on him". The register is colloquial and common. Figuratively, it can describe a brutal attack or a lack of respect towards someone. The spelling "rafasa" in the sources corresponds to standard Arabic. In speech, one says rfes in the past and yarfes in the present. Note that the primary meaning is often "to step on", and not only "to kick".
Example
رفس على رجلي
rfes 3la rejli
“He stepped on my foot.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “rfes” but also “rfas”, “rafes”, “rfess” and “rafasa”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.