klem كلام
Tunisian Derja · noun
“klem” (كلام) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning words, talk.
Meanings
- words, talk
- rumours, gossip
Usage
Klem refers to what is said: words, remarks. The word is collective and takes the singular: klem jare7, "hurtful words". Klem ennes means "what people say". Klem 3al tayer, literally "words in flight", refers to a rumour heard in passing. The related verb is tkallem, "to speak". Note: klem fergh means "empty words". The common pronunciation is klem; kalam belongs to a more formal register.
Example
ما تسمعش كلام الناس
ma tesma3ch klem ennes
“Don't listen to what people say.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “klem” but also “kleem”, “klam”, “kalam” and “kalem”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.