off افف
Tunisian Derja · interjection
“off” (افف) is an interjection in Tunisian Derja meaning ugh, pff (annoyance, weariness).
Meanings
- ugh, pff (annoyance, weariness)
- yuck (disgust)
Usage
Off (or ouff) is a very common interjection expressing annoyance, impatience or weariness, a bit like French "pff" or "oh là là". It goes at the start of a sentence, often followed by a reproach: "off, 9ala9tni" (ugh, you're annoying me). The vowel or consonant can be lengthened for emphasis. It can also express disgust or contempt toward something judged bland or ridiculous. It is colloquial: avoid it with an elder or in a formal situation, where it comes across as rude.
Example
أفف، قلقتني!
off, 9ala9tni!
“Ugh, you're annoying me!”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “off” but also “ouff”, “uff” and “of”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.