بسة

See also: پشه

Hijazi Arabic

بِسَّة

Etymology

From Arabic بَسَّة (bassa, “female cat”), which is attested in classical Arabic, though it was not a very common word. In the dialects it is most used in the Levant and on the Arabian Peninsula. Of onomatopoeic origin, like English puss.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bis.sa/, [bɪs.sa]

Noun

بسة • (bissa) f (plural بسس (bisas) or بساس (bisās), masculine بِسّ (biss))

1. cat

   Synonym: عُرِّي (ʕurri)

Usage notes

The feminine noun بسة (bissa) is used regardless of the animal's gender.

South Levantine Arabic

Etymology

From Arabic بَسَّة (bassa, “female cat”), which is attested in classical Arabic, though it was not a very common word. In the dialects it is most used in the Levant and on the Arabian Peninsula. Of onomatopoeic origin, like English puss.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /bis.se/, [ˈbɪs.se]
• IPA^(key): /bis.sa/, [ˈbɪs.sa]

• Audio (Ramallah):

  (file)

Noun

بسة • (bisse) f (plural بساس (bsās), masculine بس (biss))

1. cat

Usage notes

The feminine noun بسة (bisse) is used more regardless of the animal's gender.