tfouh تفوه
Tunisian Derja · interjection
“tfouh” (تفوه) is an interjection in Tunisian Derja meaning ugh, yuck (disgust, contempt).
Meanings
- ugh, yuck (disgust, contempt)
- shame on you!
Usage
Tfouh, or tfou, imitates the sound of spitting. This interjection expresses disgust or contempt toward someone or something. It is often constructed with 3la: tfouh 3lik, "shame on you, you disgust me". It can also target a situation: tfouh 3la hal bled. It is a colloquial word and quite contemptuous when aimed directly at a person, so avoid it in polite settings. In writing, on social media, the vowel is often lengthened (tfouuuuh) to show intensity. Despite the English gloss that was recorded, this word has nothing to do with yawning.
Example
تفوه عليك، ما تحشمش؟
tfouh 3lik, ma t7ashemch?
“Shame on you, aren't you ashamed?”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “tfouh” but also “tfou” and “tfo”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.