zarf

[ zahrf ]

noun

1. (in the Levant) a holder, usually of ornamental metal, for a coffee cup without a handle.

zarf

/ zɑːf /

noun

1. (esp in the Middle East) a holder, usually ornamental, for a hot coffee cup

Word History and Origins

Origin of zarf¹

First recorded in 1830–40, zarf is from the Arabic word ẓarf vessel, sheath

Word History and Origins

Origin of zarf¹

from Arabic: container, sheath

More About Zarf

What is a zarf?

Zarf is an informal term for a sleeve, usually made of cardboard, to put on a hot paper cup, like you might get in a coffee shop. The zarf keeps you from burning your hand on the hot cup.

Originally a Levant term, a zarf is traditionally an ornamental metal holder for a coffee cup that doesn’t have a handle. Because coffee drinking became highly ritualized in the Mediterranean area, many zarf were decorated or designed very ornately and would often be expensive items only the rich could afford.

Example: The coffee shop didn’t give me a zarf this morning, and I really burnt my hands on the way to the car.

Where does zarf come from?

The first records of the term zarf in English come from around the 1830s. It comes from the Arabic term ẓarf, meaning “vessel” or “sheath.”

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to zarf?

• zurf (alternative spelling)

What are some words that often get used in discussing zarf?

• coffee
• cup
• cardboard
• holder
• metal
• ornamental

How is zarf used in real life?

Uncommon in English, zarf is mostly used to describe the cardboard sleeves for paper hot cups.

My barista is telling me the cardboard thingy he's put around may take-away coffee cup is called a "zarf". 'Everyone knows that,' he says.

— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) December 3, 2016

I want to drink coffee from a diamond-encrusted cup. Never heard of a Zarf till I met this beauty. #antiquesroadshow

— Marsha Bemko (@MarshaBemkoEP) April 17, 2018

Just found out that the cardboard sleeve on a coffee cup is called a zarf #mindblown #foodfacts

— Just Eat Ireland (@JustEatIE) January 30, 2015

 

Try using zarf!

Is zarf used correctly in the following sentence?

“Janette had a collection of silver zarfs but only one handleless mug to put in them.”