kriz كريز
Moroccan Darija · noun
“kriz” (كريز) is a noun in Moroccan Darija meaning crisis (economic, social).
Meanings
- crisis (economic, social)
- sudden fit, attack
Usage
Kriz is an adapted loanword from French "crise". It is used for an economic crisis or a difficult period: "kayna l-kriz" (it's the crisis, there is no money). It also refers to a sudden attack or a fit of nerves: "jatu kriz" (he had an attack). In this second sense, the nature of the attack is often specified: "kriz dyal l-qelb" for a heart attack. The word is colloquial and spoken. In a more formal register or in the media, the Arabic "azma" is preferred.
Example
هاد العام كاينة الكريز، الخدمة قليلة
had l3am kayna lkriz, lkhedma 9lila
“This year it's the crisis, there is little work.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “kriz” but also “criz”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.