mawwel موال
Tunisian Derja · noun
“mawwel” (موال) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning mawwal, improvised vocal song.
Meanings
- mawwal, improvised vocal song
- same old refrain
Usage
Mawwel refers to a slow, improvised vocal song, often at the opening of a song, in which the singer stretches out the syllables. It exists throughout Arab music. In Tunisia, it is heard in connection with malouf, popular song or the great Eastern singers. Figuratively, the word refers to a refrain you hear on every occasion: kol 3am nafs el mawwel, "every year the same song". This ironic sense is common in conversation. The plural mwawel exists but is rare. People often say ghanna mawwel, "to sing a mawwal".
Example
بدا الحفلة بموال طويل
bda el 7afla b mawwel twil
“He began the concert with a long mawwal.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “mawwel” but also “mawal”, “mawwal” and “mouwel”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.