derwich درويش
Tunisian Derja · noun
“derwich” (درويش) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning simple-minded, naive, a bit daft.
Meanings
- simple-minded, naive, a bit daft
- poor soul, humble person
- dervish (Sufi)
Usage
In derja, derwich first of all refers to a simple, naive person who is a bit out of touch. The word is often used with indulgence or mockery, never with real malice: meskin, rahou derwich ("the poor guy, he's simple"). It can also describe a humble, destitute man. The religious sense of "dervish" exists, but it is rarer in conversation. The derived form mdarwech means "a bit unhinged". Note: Derouiche is also a common Tunisian surname.
Example
مسكين، راهو درويش، ما يفهمش في الحيل
meskin, rahou derwich, ma yefhemch fel 7il
“Poor guy, he's simple; he doesn't understand anything about tricks.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “derwich” but also “darwich”, “derouiche”, “derwiche” and “darwish”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.