3qareb عقارب
Tunisian Derja · noun
“3qareb” (عقارب) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning scorpions (plural).
Meanings
- scorpions (plural)
- hands of a watch or clock
- treacherous people, gossips
Usage
3qareb is the plural of 3a9reb, "scorpion". It is first used literally, for the scorpions found in houses or fields, especially in summer. As in French, the word also refers to the hands of a watch or clock: 3qareb el-sa3a. Figuratively, it describes sneaky, venomous people who cause harm behind one's back. This sense is common in reproaches and songs. For an English speaker, the pitfall is missing this figurative sense, which is stronger than simply "mean". The singular also serves as a mild insult for a petty person.
Example
رد بالك، الصيف هذا برشا عقارب في الجنان.
red belek, e-sif hedha barcha 3qareb fil jnen.
“Watch out, there are a lot of scorpions in the garden this summer.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3qareb” but also “3a9areb”, “aqareb” and “3akareb”. 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; 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.