ftefet فتفات
Tunisian Derja · noun
“ftefet” (فتفات) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning crumbs, small bits.
Meanings
- crumbs, small bits
- crumbled, in pieces
Usage
The noun ftefet is a collective plural referring to crumbs or very small pieces, especially of bread, cake, or biscuit. It is often used as a predicate to say something arrived or was reduced to crumbs: "wallet ftefet" (it fell apart into crumbs). Fragile dry cakes, like the ghriba, easily end up ftefet after a trip. By extension, it can be used for something broken or damaged. The register is informal and everyday. The related verb fetfet means to crumble.
Example
الغريبة وصلت فتفات
el ghriba woslet ftefet
“The ghriba arrived in crumbs.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ftefet” but also “fatfat”, “ftafet”, “ftefit” and “fetfet”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.