3gareb عڨارب
Tunisian Derja · noun
“3gareb” (عڨارب) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning scorpions.
Meanings
- scorpions
- clock hands
Usage
"3gareb" is the plural of "3agreb" (scorpion), in the pronunciation where qaf is realized as "g". This pronunciation is typical of inland and southern Tunisia. In cities, especially Tunis, one more often hears "3qareb". The word refers to scorpions, very common in hot regions in summer. It is also used for the hands of a watch or clock. Figuratively, it can describe malicious or sneaky people.
Example
في الصيف يكثروا العڨارب في الدار
fi essif yekthrou el 3gareb fel dar
“In summer, there are a lot of scorpions in the house.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3gareb” but also “3garb”, “aagareb” and “3qareb”. 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.