Reading Lolita in Tehran

Reading Lolita in Tehran Glossary

Vagrant

Wandering; vagabond

Obstinate

Stubborn, especially with regard to views or opinions

Capricious

Given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

Excise

To tax or to remove

Chador

Unlike a hijab (which covers only the head), a niqab (which leaves only the eyes visible), and a burqa (which covers the entire body and face), a chador is a head and body covering that leaves the face visible and opens down the middle, requiring the woman to hold it closed. The chador is most popular in Iran.

Upsilamba

A word created by author Vladimir Nabokov, the exact meaning is not known, and Nafisi has students come up with their own definitions.

Gnostic

Of or relating to knowledge, especially esoteric mystical knowledge

Mullah

A Muslim learned in Islamic theology and sacred law

Ayatollah

A Shiite religious leader in Iran

Solipsism

A theory that the self is all that can be known to exist; a term also used to imply egocentrism or indulgence of one's feelings and desires

Prelude

An action or event that acts as an introduction; a piece of music that opens a larger work such as an opera or suite

Erudite

Having great knowledge

Malleable

Pliable; able to be bent, shaped, or influenced

Abdicated

To give up power or responsibility; used especially of monarchs or governments

Euphoric

To experience intense happiness or excitement

Intercostal Neuralgia

Pain of the chest wall

Cant

Hypocritical and sanctimonious OR in fashion, especially used of words or phrases

Namahram

Nafisi writes that "no Muslim man would or should touch a namahram woman - a woman other than his wife, mother or sister" (98). In Islamic sharia law, a mahram is someone with whom marriage or intercourse would be considered incestuous due to blood ties.

Tepid

Lukewarm, often used to describe liquids or metaphorical lack of enthusiasm

Candor

Open and honest expression

Hakim

"Men of knowledge" in Arabic

"Nest of Spies"

A term used to describe the American Embassy in Tehran, especially in 1979

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