zerda زردة
Algerian Darja · noun
“zerda” (زردة) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning communal festive meal, often at a saint's shrine.
Meanings
- communal festive meal, often at a saint's shrine
- big spread, celebration with food
Usage
Zerda refers to a communal festive meal, often held near the mausoleum of a saint (wali) or a zawiya: an animal is sacrificed, and couscous and meat are shared with many guests. By extension, the word refers to any big, generous spread. The practice is viewed differently: a popular tradition for some, a religiously questionable custom for others. You say "daru zerda" (they held a zerda). Plural: zerdat. In the West, you also hear wa3da for a comparable celebration. Do not use it for a simple family meal: a zerda implies a wide invitation.
Example
دارو زردة في الدوار وعرضو ڨاع الناس
daru zerda fel douar w 3erdu ga3 ennas
“They held a zerda in the village and invited everyone.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “zerda” but also “zarda” and “zerdat”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “zerda” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “feast, big meal among friends”; “party where people eat well”: zerda in Moroccan.
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “annual feast for a local saint”; “big festive meal, feast”: zarda in Tunisian.