kaff كف
Tunisian Derja · noun
“kaff” (كف) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning slap, smack.
Meanings
- slap, smack
- palm of the hand
Usage
Kaff primarily means a slap, given with the palm. The word is used with the verbs "ta3ti" (to give) or "klé" (to receive): "ta3tih kaff" (to give him a slap), "klé kaff" (he got slapped). It is often heard in casual threats directed at children. The plural is kfouf. In a more neutral register, it means the palm of the hand ("kaff el yed"). The register is informal. Mind the pronunciation: the final consonant is doubled.
Example
إذا تعاود نعطيك كف
ken t3awed na3tik kaff
“If you do it again, I'll give you a slap.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “kaff” but also “kaf”, “kef” and “kff”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.