taarof

Meaning

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.
• a cultural communication style of indirect competitive flattery, generally from Middle Eastern origin.

Origin

• From Persian تعارف.