khamja خمجة
Tunisian Derja · noun
“khamja” (خمجة) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning accumulated stress, weariness.
Meanings
- accumulated stress, weariness
- dirt, filth
Usage
Khamja is used mainly in the expression na77i khamja, literally "remove the grime". It means to take one's mind off things, relax, release accumulated fatigue or worries. It is said when going out for coffee, seeing friends, or going for a walk. With 3la galbi (na77it khamja 3la galbi), it emphasizes inner relief. The register is informal and spoken. The word is related to khmej, "dirt, rot". Outside the expression, it keeps this pejorative sense of grime.
Example
نمشي للبحر ننحّي خمجة
nemchi lel b7ar nna77i khamja
“I'm going to the sea to clear my head.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “khamja” but also “khmaja”, “5amja” and “5mja”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 5 is kha (خ), like the ch in Scottish loch.