yetkessel يتكسل
Algerian Darja · verb
“yetkessel” (يتكسل) is a verb in Algerian Darja meaning to stretch (on waking, from tiredness).
Meanings
- to stretch (on waking, from tiredness)
- to act haughty, lounge about
Usage
Yetkessel (base form tkessel) refers to the act of stretching one's limbs, especially on waking or after sitting for a long time. Yawning often goes with it. The word belongs to everyday informal speech. Beware of a false friend for anyone who knows Standard Arabic: in darja, the primary meaning is not "to be lazy", even though an idea of slowness or languor can attach to it. In some uses, it is applied to someone who struts around or puts on superior airs. Typical construction: nod w tkessel, "he got up and stretched".
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “yetkessel” but also “yetkassel”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.