טָפַף
𐤈𐤐𐤐
ṭâphaph
H2952 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To walk with short, dainty, or mincing steps, especially in a manner intended to attract attention or display affectation. In its limited biblical usage, it specifically refers to a stylized, self-conscious gait, often regarded as coquettish or affected.
Semantic Range
to mince, to walk coquettishly, to walk with affected daintiness or short steps, to trip along, to attract attention by one's gait
Root / Etymology
Root ט-פ-ף (טָפַף), likely imitative in origin, echoing the sound or pace of delicate, rhythmic footsteps. The root does not have widespread attestation outside this form and sense; etymology is uncertain beyond possible sound imitation or descriptive motion.
Historical & Contextual Notes
טָפַף occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in Isaiah 3:16, where it describes the mannerisms of certain Jerusalemite women in the First Temple period, walking with 'outstretched necks and ogling eyes, walking and mincing as they go.' The usage suggests an affected style of walking associated with flirtatious or ostentatious self-presentation. The context is critical: it is a gendered and socially coded act, reflecting criticism of conspicuous behavior. The term's pejorative sense is unique in Ancient Hebrew, with no clear synonyms with the same connotation. Later post-biblical Hebrew does not significantly retain or develop the root. English translations sometimes obscure the social nuance by rendering as 'mince' or 'walk with short steps.' Unlike terms for general walking or dancing, טָפַף indicates a very particular style of gait used to draw attention, often in a context of social disapproval. It is not associated with ritual, processional, or festive movement, but rather with personal display in everyday settings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primitive root; apparently; to trip (with short steps) coquettishly; mince.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
טפף (ṭ-p-p) — taking small dainty steps, mincing walk, affected gait
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H2945 | טַף | young toddling ones |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2952-01 |
וְ/טָפֹף֙ | vetafof | HC/Vqa |
and tripping | and mincingly walking | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2952-01 |
Isaiah 3:16 | וְ/טָפֹף֙ | vetafof | HC/Vqa |
and tripping | and mincingly walking |