esteghfer استغفر
Tunisian Derja · expression
“esteghfer” (استغفر) is an expression in Tunisian Derja meaning God forgive me.
Meanings
- God forgive me
- shocked disapproval at what was said
Usage
Astaghfirullah, literally "I ask God's forgiveness", is a very common religious formula. It is said in reaction to a remark or act considered improper, impious or shocking. It then expresses disapproval more than piety. It also serves, more sincerely, as a formula of repentance or prayer. The shortened form "esteghfer" is also heard, often repeated. It can be serious or half-joking depending on the tone. It corresponds roughly to "my God!" or "how awful!", and is not a swear word.
Example
أستغفر الله، ما تقولش هكا!
astaghfirullah, ma t9oulech haka!
“God forgive me, don't talk like that!”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, it is written “esteghfer”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.