krouda قرودة
Tunisian Derja · noun
“krouda” (قرودة) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning monkeys.
Meanings
- monkeys
- idiots, clowns (insulting)
Usage
Krouda is the plural of gird, the monkey. In its literal sense it is neutral: you talk about the krouda at the Belvédère zoo in Tunis. However, the word is very often used as a collective insult, to call people idiots, clowns, or people who imitate without thinking. This usage is common in online comments and in stadium stands. It is contemptuous and can hurt, especially when aimed at someone because of their looks. The pronunciation grouda is also heard.
Example
مشينا للبلفيدار نتفرجو على القرودة
mchina lel belvedere netfarjou 3al krouda
“We went to the Belvédère to look at the monkeys.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “krouda” but also “grouda”, “9rouda” and “qrouda”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 9 is qaf (ق), a k pronounced at the back of the throat.