frak فرك
Tunisian Derja · verb
“frak” (فرك) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to rub.
Meanings
- to rub
- to scrub, rub clean
Usage
Everyday verb, pronounced frak (imperfect yefrek, imperative ofrek). Used for rubbing with the hand or an object: rubbing one's hands, massaging a body part, rubbing a stained garment or a pot. The object follows the verb directly, and the tool is introduced by b- ("with"): frak bessaboun, "to rub with soap". The word is neutral and used in all registers, at home as in care or cooking advice. For massaging, other verbs are preferred. This verb does not mean "to scratch".
Example
افرك يديك مليح بالصابون
ofrek yeddik mli7 bessaboun
“Rub your hands well with soap.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “frak” but also “ofrek”, “yefrek” and “frek”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “frak” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “to rub, to massage”; “to scrub laundry by hand”: frek in Moroccan.