Taarof
Iranian ritual politeness, with offers refused and pressed again.
Also: tarof
Taarof is a system of etiquette in Iran and parts of the Persian-speaking world in which people offer, refuse and insist, showing humility and respect. A host offers food or a drink and the guest declines politely; the host insists, and the guest accepts after the second or third offer. A shopkeeper may say that the goods are free and a taxi driver may refuse payment, yet both expect it to be given. Learning to read the signs is a skill, and foreign visitors are usually forgiven for mistakes. Taarof shows consideration, and at its best it is a graceful way of saying you matter to me.
Region: Middle East