yekharkhach يخرخش
Algerian Darja · verb
“yekharkhach” (يخرخش) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to crackle, to sputter (sound, device).
Meanings
- to crackle, to sputter (sound, device)
- to make a rustling noise
Usage
Ykharkhach describes a dry, repetitive interference noise: a badly tuned radio, a poor-quality microphone, a damaged speaker, a plastic bag being moved around. The verb is expressive, almost an onomatopoeia, and is used in everyday conversation. It is often built with rah for an action in progress: rah ykharkhach, "it's crackling". The noun kharkhacha refers to the noise itself. It is not used for a hoarse human voice, except as a joke.
Example
الراديو راهو يخرخش، بدّل الستاسيون
er-radio rah ykharkhach, beddel station
“The radio is crackling, change the station.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “yekharkhach” but also “yekherkhech”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.