starjel استرجل

Algerian Darja · verb

“starjel” (استرجل) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to act like a man, show courage.

Meanings

1. to act like a man, show courage
2. to pull oneself together, take responsibility

Usage

Mostly used in the imperative, starjel is an injunction to show courage, firmness or endurance: starjel chwiya ("be a bit of a man"). It is heard in sports, among friends, or to urge someone to take responsibility. The word is of standard Arabic origin but very common in speech. It is often said in a tone of reproach or challenge, and can sound condescending; by extension it is sometimes addressed to a woman, meaning "hang in there". The noun rjoula means manliness, courage.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “starjel” but also “sterjel”, “starjal”, “estarjel” and “astrjl”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Type “starjel” on the Arabic keyboard

In Tunisian Derja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “to act like a man, bravely”; “to act loyally toward someone”: starjel in Tunisian.