za3ma za3ma زعمة زعمة
Tunisian Derja · expression
“za3ma za3ma” (زعمة زعمة) is an expression in Tunisian Derja meaning supposedly, so-called (ironic).
Meanings
- supposedly, so-called (ironic)
- as if, like
Usage
Za3ma za3ma is the reduplication of za3ma, a very frequent particle marking doubt, supposition or a cautious question ("is it that", "maybe"). Reduplicated, it almost always takes on an ironic or mocking value: you doubt what the other person claims to be or do. It often comes just before the targeted word, or stands alone as a reply, with a skeptical tone. The register is informal and spoken. Pitfall for an English speaker: it is not a real question, and translating it as "maybe" loses the mocking nuance. "So-called" or "as if" convey the effect better.
Example
زعمة زعمة هو اللي يفهم في كلّ شي
za3ma za3ma howa elli yefhem fi kol chay
“So-called, he's the one who knows everything about everything.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “za3ma za3ma” but also “zaama zaama” and “z3ma z3ma”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.