Keyif
/ˈkeɪ.ɪf/noun
A state of relaxed pleasure, dreamy contentment, or leisurely well-being.
Did you know?The related Arabic word kayf also developed associations with cannabis and hashish, linking keyif’s language of pleasure to altered states and ecstatic relaxation.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Arabic
Arabic
kayf (كيف)
“Manner, condition, or state; later, pleasure and well-being in colloquial usage”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
kayf
“A pleasurable mood or state of comfortable enjoyment”
Ottoman Turkish
Turkish
keyif
“Pleasure, enjoyment, good spirits, or relaxed contentment”
19th Century
English
keyif
“A state of dreamy languor or luxurious relaxation, borrowed from Turkish”
Modern English
English
keyif
“Leisurely pleasure, tranquil enjoyment, or relaxed well-being”