Back to all words

Kef

2 stages from Arabic to English.

Today it means a state of drowsy, dreamlike relaxation; also, the resin (kief) used for smoking cannabis

Where does the word "kef" come from? It comes from Arabic kaif, adopted directly into English (1808).

1
Stage 1 of 2
kaif
Arabic · medieval
"well-being, pleasurable idleness"
meant "well-being, good humor," the pleasure of idleness
2
Stage 2 of 2
kef
English · 1808
"state of drowsy relaxation"
entered English describing a dreamy, relaxed state, especially one induced by smoking cannabis in North Africa
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom