giaour: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical, Literary, Archaic, Pejorative
Quick answer
What does “giaour” mean?
A non-Muslim, especially a Christian, from a Turkish or Ottoman perspective.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-Muslim, especially a Christian, from a Turkish or Ottoman perspective.
A term of historical and literary usage to denote a disbeliever or infidel, specifically in the context of the Ottoman Empire. It carries strong pejorative connotations of outsider status and religious contempt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional difference in usage; the word is equally archaic and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Strongly pejorative, historical, orientalist.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern usage, occasionally encountered in historical novels or academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “giaour” in a Sentence
be + labelled/called/considered + a giaourthe + giaour + of + [place]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “giaour” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form exists]
American English
- [No verb form exists]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form exists]
American English
- [No adverb form exists]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form exists]
American English
- [No standard adjective form exists]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, religious, or literary studies discussing the Ottoman Empire or Orientalist texts.
Everyday
Never used; would be misunderstood.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “giaour”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “giaour”
- Mispronouncing it as /ɡiːˈaʊr/ or /ˈɡaɪɔːr/.
- Using it in a modern context to describe any non-Muslim.
- Capitalising the word (it is not a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a historically pejorative term. Using it outside of a strict academic or historical context to describe a person would be offensive.
It comes from the Turkish word 'gâvur', which itself derives from the Persian 'gabr', meaning 'infidel' or 'fire-worshipper' (originally referring to Zoroastrians).
No. Its meaning is specifically tied to the Ottoman Muslim perspective on non-Muslims, particularly Christians. It is not a synonym for 'atheist' or 'secular person'.
No, it is very obscure. Most English speakers would not recognise it unless they have a specific interest in Ottoman history or Romantic poetry (like Byron's work).
A non-Muslim, especially a Christian, from a Turkish or Ottoman perspective.
Giaour is usually historical, literary, archaic, pejorative in register.
Giaour: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒaʊə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒaʊər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common English idioms use this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'jaw' (giaour sounds like 'jar' or 'jaw') – a Turk might say, "That infidel's jaw needs shutting!" to remember the contemptuous meaning.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE INFIDEL IS AN OUTSIDER / A CONTAMINATING FORCE (within the historical Ottoman religious worldview).
Practice
Quiz
In what context would the word 'giaour' be most appropriately used today?