k3b ghzal كعب غزال
Moroccan Darija · noun
“k3b ghzal” (كعب غزال) is a noun in Moroccan Darija meaning gazelle horn (pastry).
Meanings
- gazelle horn (pastry)
Usage
K3b ghzal is the famous crescent-shaped Moroccan pastry. It is made of thin dough filled with almond paste flavored with orange blossom. The name literally means "gazelle's heel (or ankle)", although in French it is called "cornes de gazelle" (gazelle horns). It is served with tea, at celebrations, weddings and Eid. The form with the article, k3b lghzal, is also found. The word is often used as a collective: chi k3b ghzal, "some gazelle horns". Festive cakes in general are called lhlawiyat.
Example
ماما وجدات كعب غزال للعيد
mama wejdat k3b ghzal l l3id
“Mom made gazelle horns for Eid.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “k3b ghzal” but also “ka3b ghzal” and “kaab ghzal”. 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.