Definition

Noun: A traditional Arab headdress, typically made from a square of cloth (often cotton or a cotton-wool blend). It is folded into a triangle and worn over the head, secured in place by a cord called an agal (or igal). Its primary functions are protection from the sun, sand, and dust.

Usage

The word "kaffiyeh" is used to refer to the specific garment itself. It is a countable noun. - He wore a red-and-white kaffiyeh to shield his face from the desert wind. - The kaffiyeh is an important cultural symbol in many parts of the Middle East.

Advanced Usage

• The kaffiyeh is often associated with Palestinian nationalism, particularly in its black-and-white checkered pattern.
• In Western fashion, the kaffiyeh is sometimes adopted as a scarf or neck garment, which can be a subject of cultural debate.

Variants and Related Words

• Keffiyeh: An alternative, common spelling.
• Ghutrah (or ): A term more commonly used in the Gulf Arab states for a similar, often all-white, headscarf.
• Shemagh: A term used in some Levantine and Western military contexts for a similar patterned scarf.
• Agal (noun): The black cord ring used to secure the kaffiyeh on the head.

Synonyms

• Headdress: (a more general term for any covering for the head, often ceremonial).
• Headscarf: (a general term for a piece of cloth worn over the head).

Related Idioms or Phrases

There are no common English idioms or phrasal verbs that specifically use the word "kaffiyeh." It is used literally to describe the article of clothing.

Noun

1. an Arab headdress consisting of a square piece of cloth folded into a triangle and fastened over the crown by an agal