Here is your Arabic lesson for the day...

The word is "nom" and it rhymes with "Tom".

It is a polite way of saying "sorry, I can't hear you".

For most people, at least. For _me_ it means:
"wait, wait, wait -- hold on. I only follow about 10% of what you're saying, so if I can get you to say it a few more times and use small words, maybe we can converse a little bit. Drawing pictures and using lots of gestures will help me, too. Thanks."

*smile*

Currently, this is my life... *grin*