saffa9 صفق
Tunisian Derja · verb
“saffa9” (صفق) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to clap, applaud.
Meanings
- to clap, applaud
- to cheer, approve of someone
Usage
Saffa9 (ysaffa9) means "to clap hands", whether to applaud or to keep the rhythm of a song or a celebration. The person being applauded is introduced with l-: saffa9lou, "he applauded him". The corresponding noun is tasfi9, "applause". Figuratively, it is used to say that you salute or approve of someone, sometimes ironically: nsaffa9lek ?, "do you want me to applaud you?". Do not confuse it with sa9fa, "the roof", or safka, "a deal, a bargain".
Example
صفّق معايا كان تحس في روحك كي ال بيت بلاش سقف
saffa9 m3aya ken t7ess fi rou7ek kil bit blech s9aff
“Clap along with me if you feel like a house without a roof.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “saffa9” but also “safa9”, “saffak”, “saffeq” and “sfa9”. 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.