kaffiyeh
UK[kəˈfiː(j)ə]US[kəˈfiː(j)ə]
n
a square of cloth, often with a cord to hold it in place, worn as a headdress by Arab men.
Etymology
The word 'kaffiyeh' is a direct borrowing from the Arabic 'kūfīyah', which is derived from 'Kūfa', the name of a historic city in Iraq. This etymology indicates the headdress was originally associated with the region around Kufa. The term entered English in the early 19th century through contact with Arab cultures, retaining its specific cultural reference. It is a classic example of a loanword where the entire form is adopted to name a culturally specific item for which no prior English word existed.
Analysis
This word is a loanword from Arabic. It is not productively formed from separable morphemes in English.
Examples
The traditional red-and-white checked kaffiyeh is a common sight in many parts of the Middle East.
He wrapped the kaffiyeh around his head and neck for protection from the sun and sand.
The pattern of his kaffiyeh identified his tribal affiliation.