esmallah اسمالله
Tunisian Derja · interjection
“esmallah” (اسمالله) is an interjection in Tunisian Derja meaning formula against the evil eye.
Meanings
- formula against the evil eye
- in the name of God
Usage
Esmallah, a contraction of "bismillah", is a formula said after a compliment to ward off the evil eye. The typical construction is "esmallah 3lik / 3liha / 3lih": it is said when admiring a child, an achievement or someone's looks. Thus, "esmallah 3lik, kbert!" is understood as "God protect you, you've grown!". When speaking of oneself, one says "esmallah 3liya". It is an affectionate and very common formula, especially among women and older people. Giving a compliment without adding it can seem awkward.
Example
اسمالله عليك، ولدك كبر وولى راجل!
esmallah 3lik, weldek kber w wala rajel!
“God protect him, your son has grown, he's a man now!”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “esmallah” but also “smallah”, “ismallah”, “asmallah” and “smalla”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.