Talk:Zarf
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US Navy Zarf?
editNot sure if the US Navy call it a zarf - more likely it's known as a cup holder. Anyway, it didn't seem to fit well in the introductory paragraph, so I've moved it down the bottom. AndrewH 15:02, 24 August 2005 (UTC)
[Chap] Zarfs are common names for the blue cup holders in the Navy. "Zarf" is a term more used in the Navy than in general use, actually. This site [1] says it's a submarine-specific term but I've heard it on surface ships for decades. Definitely more people know that than they do, say, Andrew Plotkin or the other half dozen people who call themselves "zarf" on the internet.
Green Acres reference
editZarf is also used in the Green Acres episode where Fred is playing scrabble against Arnold; Fred uses it as a word, but Arnold won't allow it because "it's not a word".
I think you mean The Flintstones, not Green Acres. See http://www.definition-of.com/zarf Bob Stein - VisiBone (talk) 17:32, 26 October 2010 (UTC)
Contemporary Usage as a Cardboard Cup Sleeve
editThe word has also started to be used as a label for the protective coffee cup sleeves used by most espresso bars, including Starbucks. I think this should be included in the article if anyone can find a reputable reference.
Etymology
editFrom the OED online:
zarf | zurf, n.
Pronunciation: /zɑːf/ /zɜːf/ Etymology: < Arabic ẓarf vessel.
A cup-shaped holder for a hot coffee-cup, used in the Levant, usually of metal and of ornamental design.
1836 E. W. Lane Acct. Manners & Customs Mod. Egyptians I. v. 168 The coffee-cup.., being without a handle, is placed within another cup (called zurf).
1854 R. Curzon Armenia 80 One brought coffee on a tray..and then came a man bringing to each of us a cup, well frothed up, and in a zarf, or outer cup.
1978 Times 2 May 13/3 (caption) A diamond and emerald zarf, mounted in gold and silver, 19th century, 6·5 cm high.
"zarf | zurf, n.". OED Online. December 2013. Oxford University Press. 30 January 2014 <http://www.oed.com.rp.nla.gov.au/view/Entry/232712?redirectedFrom=zarf&>. 101.162.161.231 (talk) 15:03, 30 January 2014 (UTC)
Getting a handle on zarfs
editThe opening sentence says that "A zarf ... is a holder, usually of ornamental metal, for a coffee cup without a handle."
- Is this saying that a zarf is something without a handle or that it is a holder (that may include a handle) for something else that does not have a handle?
- Is there really a difference between a zarf and a Podstakannik? What difference does it make to the physical object which liquid is poured into it?
- Please note that the picture shown at the top of the article (File:01464 vintage Russian Soviet silver cup tea holder.jpg) shows a device that includes a handle and is described in its filename as a teacup, not a coffee cup.
