تام

English translation: No visible flaws, no imperfections to note, etc.

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Arabic term or phrase:تام
English translation:No visible flaws, no imperfections to note, etc.
Entered by: Ali Cherni

23:17 Mar 6, 2021
Arabic to English translations [PRO]
Law/Patents - Certificates, Diplomas, Licenses, CVs
Arabic term or phrase: تام
في البطاقة الشخصية السورية: العلامات المميزة: تام
Distinctive features: full/complete/perfect?
Ali Cherni
United Kingdom
Local time: 06:12
No visible flaws, no imperfections to note, etc.
Explanation:
In the Syrian bureaucratic tradition, as well as in many other Arab traditions, the expression "distinctive features" is a euphemism for visible imperfections of form, especially permanent flaws, blemishes, or deformities, such as small pox scars, an old injury, a cleft palate, a visible dental crown replacement, or being cross-eyed or one-eyed. Such medical conditions were both common and near impossible to remedy, so they became convenient ways to identify individuals. In some cases, such "distinctive features" became part of the name of the individual and, eventually, the eponymous family, such as الأحول, الأعرج, الأشرم, and so forth. Therefore, wherever no flaws could be identified, the person was marked تام, meaning no imperfections could be pointed out. "Perfect" would be ludicrous in this context, but the double negative "no imperfections to note" or "no visible flaws" would be acceptable and understandable.
Selected response from:

Fuad Yahya
Grading comment
Always helpful to get a contextualised explanation. Many thanks.
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
5 +2Nothing, Nil
Ali Saad
5 +1No visible flaws, no imperfections to note, etc.
Fuad Yahya


  

Answers


5 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +2
Nothing, Nil


Explanation:
ليس ثمة علامات مميزة


    https://www.proz.com/kudoz/arabic-to-french/other/6638219-%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%85%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%A7%D
Ali Saad
Egypt
Local time: 08:12
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in ArabicArabic
PRO pts in category: 7
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thank you! Closest is Nil I would think.


Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Z-Translations Translator
37 mins
  -> Thanks.

agree  Diya Takrouri: (Nil / NA) It seems that the same term is used in Egyptian-issued IDs.
9 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

2 hrs   confidence: Answerer confidence 5/5 peer agreement (net): +1
No visible flaws, no imperfections to note, etc.


Explanation:
In the Syrian bureaucratic tradition, as well as in many other Arab traditions, the expression "distinctive features" is a euphemism for visible imperfections of form, especially permanent flaws, blemishes, or deformities, such as small pox scars, an old injury, a cleft palate, a visible dental crown replacement, or being cross-eyed or one-eyed. Such medical conditions were both common and near impossible to remedy, so they became convenient ways to identify individuals. In some cases, such "distinctive features" became part of the name of the individual and, eventually, the eponymous family, such as الأحول, الأعرج, الأشرم, and so forth. Therefore, wherever no flaws could be identified, the person was marked تام, meaning no imperfections could be pointed out. "Perfect" would be ludicrous in this context, but the double negative "no imperfections to note" or "no visible flaws" would be acceptable and understandable.

Fuad Yahya
Specializes in field
Native speaker of: Native in ArabicArabic, Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 36
Grading comment
Always helpful to get a contextualised explanation. Many thanks.

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Saleh Dardeer
5 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)



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