ouf اوف
Tunisian Derja · interjection
“ouf” (اوف) is an interjection in Tunisian Derja meaning expresses annoyance, weariness.
Meanings
- expresses annoyance, weariness
- expresses relief
Usage
Ouf is a very common interjection in speech and in written messages. It mainly marks exasperation or boredom at an unpleasant situation, a wait or a pushy person. The final vowel or consonant is readily lengthened (oufff) for emphasis, and it is often repeated: "ouf ouf". Relief is a rarer sense and depends on tone. Note: in Arabic script, the same sequence of letters also transcribes English "off" in loanwords such as "play-off" or "Tower of London". These uses should not be confused with the interjection.
Example
أوف، قدّاش طوّل هالكار!
ouff, 9addech tawwel hal car!
“Ugh, how long this bus is taking!”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “ouf” but also “off”, “ouff” and “oof”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.