nirra

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Maltese

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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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

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Interjection

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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.