xewk

Maltese

Root
x-w-k
2 terms

Etymology

From Arabic شَوْك (šawk).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ʃɛwk/

• Audio:

  (file)

Noun

xewk m (collective, singulative xewka, plural xwiek, paucal xewkiet)

1. thorns, prickles
   • Traditional (lyrics and music), “Ja ħanina”, performed by Frans Baldacchino:

     Jien tlajt fuq l-ogħla muntanja, rajt il-baħar qed imewweġ.
     Xewka daħlet ġewwa qalbi, meta smajt li se tiżżewweġ.

     I went up to the highest mountain, watched the sea wave back and forth.
     A thorn had pierced my heart when I heard that you would marry.

2. thistles
3. fishbones

   Synonym: xewk tal-ħut