9os قص
Tunisian Derja · verb
“9os” (قص) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to cut (with scissors, knife).
Meanings
- to cut (with scissors, knife)
- to trim (hair, nails)
- to cut into pieces
Usage
This verb means to cut, especially with scissors or a knife: fabric, paper, dough, hair, nails. The forms are 9ass in the past (he cut), y9oss in the present, and 9oss in the imperative. In many regions and in the countryside, the q is pronounced g, giving gass or ygoss. It is commonly used for a haircut, 9oss cha3rou, and in cooking for cutting into squares or diamonds. Figuratively, 9ass jne7ou, "to clip his wings", means to hold someone back. To cut off electricity or water, 9ta3 is used instead.
Example
تقص الحواشي وبعد تقص مربعات صغار قد كعبات مقروض
t9os el7weichi wba3d t9os mourab3at sghar 9ad ka3bet ma9roud
“You cut off the edges, then cut small squares the size of makroud cubes.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “9os” but also “gos”, “9ass”, “gass” and “qos”. 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.