Kordandeh

Kordandeh is a term used primarily within certain Iranian subcultures and online communities, referring to the act of aggressively and sarcastically feigning naivete or ignorance in an argument or discussion, typically to frustrate or mock the other participant. It often involves deliberately misunderstanding statements, asking leading questions based on a false premise, or pretending not to grasp concepts that are clearly understood. The intent is usually to derail the conversation, undermine the other person's position, or simply cause annoyance.

The word does not have a direct equivalent in English, but it shares similarities with concepts like "playing dumb," "weaponized incompetence," and "sealioning," although "Kordandeh" often carries a stronger implication of malicious intent and a performative aspect of exaggerated innocence. The term emphasizes the disingenuous nature of the behavior and the active, often aggressive, manner in which the feigned ignorance is deployed. The behavior is considered socially inappropriate and is generally frowned upon in serious discussions.