sebb سب
Algerian Darja · verb
“sebb” (سب) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to insult, curse.
Meanings
- to insult, curse
- to disparage, speak ill of
Usage
Sebb means "to insult" or "to curse at"; the verb names the act and is not itself vulgar. The present is ysebb (he insults), and the corresponding noun is sebb (insult), often paired with chtem in the expression sebb w chtem (insults and abuse). The verb takes its object directly: sebb bladou (he disparaged his country). Insulting religion or one's parents is considered very serious. For a mere verbal quarrel, tnagrou or tkhasmou is used instead.
Example
ماتسبّش الناس، عيب عليك.
ma tsebbech ennas, 3ib 3lik.
“Don't insult people, shame on you.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “sebb” but also “seb”, “sabb” and “sab”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “sebb” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “to insult, abuse”; “to curse, swear at”: sebb in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “insult, abuse”; “insulting someone”: sabb in Tunisian.