zarf

Jan. 16th, 2012 09:40 pm
[identity profile] ersatz-read.livejournal.com posting in [community profile] 1word1day
zarf, noun.  A holder, with handle, for a coffee cup without a handle.

The term comes from an Arabic word meaning container, sheath, or envelope.  It originally referred to an ornamental holder, often made of metal and decorated with filigree, engraving, or possibly gems.  Traditionally, the zarf served as functional adornment of the demitasse or finjan (small cup of Arabic or Turkish coffee):  protecting the cup and keeping fingers cool.

The word entered English in the nineteenth century.  By the 1970s, the definition had expanded to include less decorative items, such as the plastic holders of disposable paper cups.

(no subject)

Date: 2012-01-17 07:13 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] imifumei.livejournal.com
This is a really useful word since I use these at work all the time! Do you happen to know if the plural would be zarfs or zarves?

(no subject)

Date: 2012-01-17 08:07 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] rainbow-yarn.livejournal.com
It sounds like a combination of Pinky's "zort" and "narf" from Pinky and the Brain. ♥

(no subject)

Date: 2012-01-17 02:21 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] prettygoodword.livejournal.com
I was thinking the same thing.

---L.

(no subject)

Date: 2012-01-17 09:06 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mimi-chan17.livejournal.com
Actually, the cup of Arabic coffee is called "finjan" :) (I'm from KSA)
This word is really interesting! It's always cool to find words from your native language that have entered another! Thanks
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