Hookah Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hookah
[ˈhʊkə ]
Definition
smoking device
A hookah, also known as a water pipe, is a device used for smoking flavored tobacco, known as shisha. The hookah consists of a bowl, a water chamber, and one or more hoses. Smoke is drawn through the water, which cools and filters it before inhalation. Traditionally, hookahs are used in social settings, often accompanied by the sharing of smoke among friends. The practice is popular in various cultures, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- We gathered around the hookah at the café.
- She enjoys smoking different flavors of hookah.
- They filled the hookah with fruity tobacco.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, hookah smoking is a communal activity, fostering social interaction and bonding.
- Different regions have unique flavors of tobacco, such as fruity or minty, showcasing local preferences.
- Hookah cafes have become popular worldwide, serving as social hubs for people to relax and converse.
Health Perspectives
- Although some believe it's safer than cigarettes, using a hookah can still pose significant health risks.
- Studies show that a typical hour of hookah smoking can deliver as much smoke as smoking multiple cigarettes.
- Public health campaigns in various countries aim to educate users about the harmful effects associated with hookah.
Entertainment
- In popular culture, hookah is often depicted in movies and shows as a symbol of relaxation and social gatherings.
- There are hookah lounges that host events like live music, mixing cultural elements with the art of smoking.
- Hookah has inspired various art forms, including music and dance, celebrating the communal experience around it.
Psychology
- The act of smoking hookah can serve as a stress-relief mechanism for some individuals, tied to social connections.
- Studies in social psychology suggest that shared activities like hookah can strengthen relationships among friends.
- Different settings and atmospheres of hookah lounges influence mood and enjoyment, showcasing the social aspect of humanity.
Origin of 'hookah'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hookah' comes from the Arabic term 'huqqa', which refers to a water pipe.
- Traditionally, the hookah has been used for centuries in Middle Eastern cultures.
- In India, it is also referred to as 'shisha', emphasizing its cultural significance.
The word 'hookah' comes from the Arabic term 'huqqa', which refers to a water pipe. Historically, the device originated in the Indian subcontinent and spread to Persia and the Middle East, where it gained popularity. During the Mughal Empire, hookahs became ornate and were often made from precious metals and beautifully designed glass. The custom of smoking shisha developed alongside the hookah, as flavored tobacco became prevalent. In the 19th century, hookahs were introduced to Western cultures, and their use became associated with a laid-back, social atmosphere. Today, hookah lounges are common in many cities around the world, where people gather to enjoy the experience of smoking and sharing different flavors of tobacco.