għajxa

Maltese

Root
għ-j-x
6 terms

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈaːj.ʃa/, /ˈaj.ʃa/
• IPA^(key): /ˈaˤːj.ʃa/ (archaic)

Etymology 1

From Arabic عَيْش (ʕayš), perhaps merged with عِيشة (ʕīša).

Noun

għajxa f (plural għajxiet)

1. livelihood

   Synonym: għajxien

2. life, lifespan

   Synonyms: għomor, ħajja

Derived terms

• għajxa ta’ lejla

 

Etymology 2

Uncertain. One may compare the verb għajjex (“to keep alive, earn livelihood”), but the sense is only a vague match and the formation is entirely unclear. Therefore it may be noted that De Soldanis in one of his colloquial dialogues includes an upper-class lady who owns two Muslim maids called Għajxa and Fatma. It is conceivable that the Arabic name عائِشة (ʕāʔiša, “Aisha”) was seen as a prototypical maid's name and developed into an appellative. (The Maltese Order retaliated against the Ottoman slave raids, which habitually targeted Malta and the waters around it, by developing its own trade in Muslim slaves.)

Noun

għajxa f (plural għajxiet)

1. (obsolete) governess, maid in the household