nirra

Maltese

Alternative forms

• narra, larra

Etymology

According to Aquilina, it is a contraction of min +‎ ra, literally “someone sees” (nirrak < mirrak < min rak). Compare the common expression min rak mgħallaq (“May you be hanged”, literally “someone sees you hanged”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈnɪr.ra/

Interjection

nirra

1. an interjection used for:
   1. ill-wishing [with attached object pronoun or noun ‘subject of wish’, along with imperfect clause]

      Nirrah jaqa’. ― May he fall.

   2. good wishes [with attached object pronoun or noun ‘subject of wish’, along with imperfect clause]

      Nirra Alla jsewwi. ― May God solve/mend it.