Meaning
To mock, defy, or show contempt for someone by making a rude face.
Cultural Background
In Iranian culture, 'Adab' (politeness) is central. 'Dahan-kaji' is seen as a severe breach of this, especially toward parents or teachers. Iranians use 'Dahan-kaji' frequently on Twitter to describe government policies that seem to ignore public opinion. Avant-garde artists in Tehran often describe their work as a 'Dahan-kaji' to the restrictive 'Ershad' (Ministry of Culture) rules. In traditional settings, even a slight 'crookedness' of the mouth while an elder is speaking is considered a 'Gonah' (sin) or a major 'Bi-adabi' (rudeness).
Don't use with 'be' for people you like
This phrase is inherently negative. Using it about a friend might imply you are no longer friends.
Use in Writing
This is a great 'power verb' for persuasive essays to show that an opponent's action is insulting.
Meaning
To mock, defy, or show contempt for someone by making a rude face.
Don't use with 'be' for people you like
This phrase is inherently negative. Using it about a friend might imply you are no longer friends.
Use in Writing
This is a great 'power verb' for persuasive essays to show that an opponent's action is insulting.
Body Language
In Iran, even if you don't say the phrase, making the 'crooked mouth' gesture is understood immediately as this idiom.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
او با نیامدن به تولد من، به دوستیمان ________.
The idiom uses the verb 'kardan' (to do/make).
Which sentence uses the idiom figuratively?
کدام جمله معنای کنایهای دارد؟
In this sentence, it means the building defies/mocks history, which is a figurative use.
Complete the dialogue.
علی: مدیر باز هم حقوقها را زیاد نکرد. رضا: بله، این کار او ________.
The preposition 'be' (to) is required.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesاو با نیامدن به تولد من، به دوستیمان ________.
The idiom uses the verb 'kardan' (to do/make).
کدام جمله معنای کنایهای دارد؟
In this sentence, it means the building defies/mocks history, which is a figurative use.
علی: مدیر باز هم حقوقها را زیاد نکرد. رضا: بله، این کار او ________.
The preposition 'be' (to) is required.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it almost always implies a lack of respect or a mocking attitude.
Only if the face is meant to mock someone. If it's just a silly face for a photo, use 'شکلک درآوردن' (sheklak dar-avardan).
'Tamas-khor' is general mockery; 'Dahan-kaji' specifically implies defiance of authority or rules.
Use 'kard': او دهنکجی کرد (He defied/mocked).
No, it's better for journalism or casual speech. In a business email, use 'عدم تمکین' (non-compliance).
Yes, metaphorically. It means the building's design is an insult to its surroundings.
No, it is a modern Persian idiom, though the concept of mockery is discussed in the Quran using Arabic terms.
'احترام گذاشتن' (ehtiram gozashtan - to show respect) or 'تمکین کردن' (tamkin kardan - to comply).
Usually yes, preceded by 'be'. You 'Dahan-kaji' *to* something.
Only if you are personifying them, like a camel looking defiant.
Related Phrases
پوزخند زدن
similarTo smirk
ریشخند کردن
synonymTo ridicule
بیاعتنایی کردن
similarTo ignore/show indifference
قد علم کردن
contrastTo stand up against
