madhmadh مضمض
Tunisian Derja · verb
“madhmadh” (مضمض) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to rinse one's mouth.
Meanings
- to rinse one's mouth
Usage
Madhmadh means to rinse the mouth by swirling water around and then spitting it out. It is used in the context of ritual ablutions, after brushing the teeth, or after a medicine with a bitter taste. It is often heard in the imperative, madhmadh ! ("rinse your mouth!"), when speaking to children. Present: ymadhmadh. The corresponding noun is madhmadha. The word is neutral and understood everywhere. It should not be confused with ghargher, which refers to gargling at the back of the throat.
Example
مضمض فمك بعد ما تفرك سنينك
madhmadh foummek ba3d ma tfrek snineck
“Rinse your mouth after you brush your teeth.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “madhmadh” but also “madhmedh”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.