basbousa بسبوسة
Tunisian Derja · noun
“basbousa” (بسبوسة) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning semolina syrup cake.
Meanings
- semolina syrup cake
- term of endearment (sweetie)
Usage
Basbousa refers to a semolina cake soaked in syrup, often topped with almonds. It is very common in Tunisia, both in pastry shops and at home. One says "na3mel basbousa" (I'm making a basboussa). In recipes shared online, there are several variants, for example with sorghum (dra3). The word is also used as an affectionate nickname for a child or a loved one, in a tender, familiar register. The plural is rare; people rather say "slices of basbousa".
Example
أمي عملت بسبوسة للعشية.
ommi 3mlet basbousa lel 3chiya.
“My mother made basboussa for the afternoon snack.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “basbousa” but also “basboussa”, “besbousa” and “basbosa”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.