Borrowed from Maghrebi Arabic wāš, an interrogative meaning “what?”, and associated with expressions such as wāš rāk, “how are you?”. The exact regional route into French is debated.
Borrowed from Maghrebi Arabic wāš, an interrogative meaning “what?”, and associated with expressions such as wāš rāk, “how are you?”. The exact regional route into French is debated.
What does wesh mean?
Depending on tone, wesh can mean what, hey, wow, or act as a pejorative social label.
Is wesh formal French?
No. wesh is strongly informal slang and normally does not suit formal or professional settings.
How is wesh pronounced?
wesh is pronounced /wɛʃ/, roughly like English “wesh”.
Where does wesh come from?
wesh comes from Maghrebi Arabic wāš, an interrogative meaning “what?”. Its exact route into French is debated.
Can wesh express more than surprise?
Yes. Intonation can make wesh show admiration, disbelief, annoyance, protest, or other strong reactions.
Can calling someone a wesh be offensive?
Yes. The noun can reduce someone to a stereotype linked to youth and working-class suburbs, so it may sound contemptuous.