I'm not sure but I think it means 'someone who is clever and can do things well in a short time'.

It can be translated as "smart-ass," as simple as that. ** An informal(dregatory) for a person who behaves as if he know-it-all. The word is an Egyptian slang.

It's not a common phrase in Arabic, But I think Naguib Mahfouz has used it to show the unstable character of Hosni Allam and his playboy-type character, so 'ferekeeko' is not such a person or something, but in my opinion it can represent his conscience.

hmmmmmm its not an arabic word ... maybe its something else u can understand from the novel... iam Egyptian and dont know the meaning.. try to post the full sentences which freekeko mentioned in.. maybe i can help