dhrif ظريف
Tunisian Derja · adjective
“dhrif” (ظريف) is an adjective in Tunisian Derja meaning refined, elegant, delicate.
Meanings
- refined, elegant, delicate
- witty, pleasant
- (ironic) would-be clever one
Usage
Dhrif describes a person who is fine, pleasant and well brought up, or someone witty whose company is enjoyable. It keeps a somewhat formal or traditional tone. It is also heard in an ironic proverb about "the cleverest of the mountain folk", who means well and causes a disaster. Dhrif is also a first name and appears in place names such as Sidi Dhrif: be careful not to confuse the adjective with the proper noun. The feminine is dhrifa.
Example
راجل ظريف وكلامو يدخل للقلب.
rajel dhrif w klemou yodkhol lel 9alb.
“He's a refined man, his words reach the heart.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “dhrif” but also “dhrayef” and “drif”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.