tsalim تساليم
Moroccan Darija · noun
“tsalim” (تساليم) is a noun in Moroccan Darija meaning exchange of greetings.
Meanings
- exchange of greetings
- handshakes
Usage
Tsalim refers to the moment when people greet each other: handshakes, cheek kisses, polite formulas exchanged on arrival or departure. It is often heard at celebrations, weddings or family visits, where greetings can go on for a long time. Example of use: "bda tsalim" (the greetings have started). The register is neutral and everyday. The word refers to the social act of greeting rather than to a specific formula. For a greeting passed on to someone absent, slam is used instead ("sellem 3lih").
Example
طوّل التساليم فالعرس
twwel tsalim f l3ers
“The greetings went on for a long time at the wedding.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “tsalim” but also “tsaalim”, “tesalim”, “tsselim” and “tasalim”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.