ka3k كعك
Tunisian Derja · noun
“ka3k” (كعك) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning traditional ring-shaped biscuit.
Meanings
- traditional ring-shaped biscuit
- pastry (in ka3k warqa)
Usage
Ka3k means traditional biscuits, often ring- or wreath-shaped, made for holidays, especially Eid. There are several regional varieties. The "ka3k warqa" of Zaghouan, made with almond paste and scented with geranium water, is the most famous. The word is collective: "ka3k" is used for the whole, and "ka3ka" for a single piece. Ka3k is bought in boxes or made with the family before the holidays.
Example
أمّي طيّبت الكعك للعيد.
ommi tayyebet el ka3k lel 3id.
“My mother made the ka3k for Eid.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ka3k” but also “kaak”, “kaa3k” and “ka3eke”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.