3ar عار
Moroccan Darija · noun
“3ar” (عار) is a noun in Moroccan Darija meaning shame, disgrace.
Meanings
- shame, disgrace
- plea for protection
Usage
The word 3ar refers to the shame that touches the honour of a person or a family, often with the article: l3ar. It appears in reproaches such as "hada 3ar", "it's a disgrace". It also has the sense of a plea. "3ar 3lik" means "I beg you, in the name of what binds us" and puts a moral obligation on the person addressed. "Ana f3arek" means "I place myself under your protection". English speakers should not reduce 3ar to mere embarrassment: the word touches on honour and moral obligation. The register is rather strong, even solemn.
Example
هادشي عار، ما يليقش بيك
hadchi 3ar, ma yli9ch bik
“It's a disgrace, it doesn't suit you.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3ar” but also “3aar” and “aar”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.
Type “3ar” on the Arabic keyboard
In Tunisian Derja
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Tunisian Derja, where it means “shame, dishonor”; “it's disgraceful! (exclamation)”: 3ar in Tunisian.