ersatz_read in 1word1day

zarf

Jan 16, 2012 21:40

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 ( ... )

tags: z, noun, ersatz_read, theme food, arabic

Comments (7)

imifumei

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?

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ersatz_read

I see references to zarfs, but that does go against the standard rule for plurals of words that end in 'f'.

In other words, I'm not sure.

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rainbow_yarn

It sounds like a combination of Pinky's "zort" and "narf" from Pinky and the Brain. ♥

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prettygoodword

I was thinking the same thing.

---L.

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ersatz_read

Right there with you.

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mimi_chan17

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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ersatz_read

Updated. Thanks for the correction!

The American use of the word isn't as stylish - I think we'd benefit from a little more filigree.

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ersatz_read in 1word1day

Comments (7)

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