tfou7 تفوح
Tunisian Derja · verb
“tfou7” (تفوح) is a verb in Tunisian Derja meaning to give off a smell, to perfume.
Meanings
- to give off a smell, to perfume
- to stink, to reek
Usage
Tfou7 is the imperfect form ("it spreads") of the verb fe7, said of a smell that is given off and makes itself noticed. The subject is most often ri7a ("smell"): "ri7a tfou7", "fe7et ri7et el bkhour" ("the smell of incense spread"). Depending on the context, it is either a pleasant fragrance or a strong, unpleasant smell. Figuratively, it is used for a scandal that eventually becomes known. The register is neutral.
Example
ريحة الكسكسي تفوح في الدار الكل.
ri7et el kousksi tfou7 fi dar lkol.
“The smell of couscous wafts through the whole house.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “tfou7” but also “tfoo7” and “tfouh”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 7 is ha (ح), a breathy h from the throat.