taarof

T1A1A1R1O1F4

noun

The intricate Persian system of etiquette and good manners, emphasising extreme deference, humility, and respect, especially in politely declining to do something (quote a price on something one is selling, eat more food, etc) so that another person can talk one into it.

OriginIranian Persian تعارف ← Classical Persian تعارف →
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Meanings

nountaarof (uncountable)

alternative ta'arof · alternative tarof

  1. uncountableThe intricate Persian system of etiquette and good manners, emphasising extreme deference, humility, and respect, especially in politely declining to do something (quote a price on something one is selling, eat more food, etc) so that another person can talk one into it.
  2. uncountableA cultural communication style of indirect competitive flattery, generally of Middle Eastern origin.

Origin

  1. Classical Persianتعارف
  2. Iranian Persianتعارف
  3. Englishtaarof

From Iranian Persian تعارف (ta'ârof), from Classical Persian تعارف (ta'āruf).

More words from Iranian Persian, Classical Persian

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

taarof. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/taarof

MLA

“taarof.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/taarof. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “taarof,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/taarof.

Source: taarof on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.