9afez قافز
Tunisian Derja · adjective
“9afez” (قافز) is an adjective in Tunisian Derja meaning smart, quick-witted.
Meanings
- smart, quick-witted
- show-off, wise guy
- having jumped (participle)
Usage
9afez comes from the verb 9faz (to jump). It describes someone lively and resourceful who knows how to get out of trouble: "wled 9afez" (a quick-witted boy). The feminine is 9afza. The word is often used ironically for someone who thinks they are smarter than others, especially with "zaama": "zaama 9afez ?" (you think you're smart?). The tone decides whether it is a compliment or mockery. The literal participle sense remains possible: "9afez 3lih" (who jumped on him). The register is informal.
Example
ولدك قافز، يفهمها وهي طايرة
weldek 9afez, yefhemha w hiya tayra
“Your son is smart, he catches on in a flash.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “9afez” but also “9afezz”, “qafez” and “9afiz”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.