al-Maududi and Sayed Qutb: respectively sub-continental and Egyptian Muslim scholars of the mid-twentieth century, often considered ideologists of Salafism
Allahu Akbar. La Ilaha ila’Allah: “God the Almighty! There is no God but God!” the final words of the athan, the Muslim call to prayer
Ana uhibu al lughat al Arabiya: “I just love the Arabic language!”
Aunt and Uncle: in North Africa “aunt” and “uncle”, in addition to their common meaning, are used to describe parents’ friends, with no other connotation than affection or respect
binti: literally “my daughter”, used by older men when addressing a young girl
botti: fatso, in Tunisian dialect
briks: a savory dish made from fine round sheets of pastry dough containing tuna, grated cheese, capers and a raw egg; the pastry is folded over and fried in hot oil
chéchia: a typically Tunisian men’s knit cap; smaller than the fez, and less prestigious socially
Destourian Party: founded by Tunisia’s first president Habib Bourguiba; the Party held a perpetual majority
fouta: a length of fabric that men wrap around their waists, covering the body from navel to knee; here, an apron
gazuz: soda pop in Tunisian dialect
ghula: feminine form of ghul, Arabic for monster
gourbi: a shack or slum dwelling
hallouf: “pig” in North African dialect
harissa: a spicy red-pepper condiment widely used in Tunisian cooking
“Horyaa, karama, watanyaa . . .”: “Liberty, dignity, love of country . . .”
ib: indecent gesture or sinful act, depending on context
“Ihda chaabou wayman arada el hayyat, fala bouda an yastajiba al qadar.”: from the celebrated verses of the Tunisian national poet, Abou El Kacem Chebbi, that make up the Tunisian national anthem: “If the people one day will to live / Destiny must then respond”
Khaldun, Ibn: born in 1332 in Tunis, Ibn Khaldun was a historian, philosopher, diplomat, and political figure; he is considered the father of modern sociology.
khobzistes: literally “breadwinners” — humble people who earn their livelihood simply and don’t get involved in politics
kitab: book
kuffar: nonbelievers
“Marhaba bik fi Tounis, ya lilla Nadia!”: “Welcome to Tunis, Madame Nadia”
Rabbi yostor: God help us!
Réussite, La: French for “success”
safsari: a long length of silk or polyester fabric, depending on social class, that Tunisian women customarily use when they leave the house. The safsari covers the hair and the body, leaving only the face exposed.
Shahada: testimony of faith uttered by converts to Islam, and by Muslims in each of their five daily prayers.
shnua: Tunisian dialect expression meaning “what’s up?” or “what is it,” most often to indicate surprise or displeasure.
tawila: table
“Tounous horra horra . . . wanidham ala barra.”: Tunisia will always be free; the regime will soon be gone”
UGTT: Union générale tunisienne du travail: Tunisian General Labour Union
“Yasqot hazb el destour, yasqot jallad ech’ab!”: “Down with the Destourian Party; down with the hangman of the people!”
zézoua: small pot with a long handle used for brewing Turkish coffee
zhar: Tunisian dialect term for luck
zoufris: originally “workers” in Tunisian dialect, now used to describe punks or rowdy young people