lefaq
Maltese
| Root |
|---|
| l-f-q |
Etymology
From Arabic لَقَفَ (laqafa, “to seize, catch quickly”) with metathesis. In older Maltese the verb also meant “to gasp for breath”, which explains the semantic development. A similar use apparently exists in some Maghrebi dialects.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈlɛ.faʔ/
Verb
lefaq (imperfect jolfoq)
- to sob
Related terms
- lfiq