star trek ferengi headdress

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The real reason star trek's ferengi wear those headdresses (it's not ds9's budget).

Quark actor Armin Shimerman busts the myth that DS9's makeup budget is responsible for Ferengi head veils by explaining where they really came from.

• The reason that many Ferengi characters wear veils on the back of their heads is not just a cost-cutting measure, as previously believed.
• The veils were actually a design element distinctively created by the makeup supervisor Michael Westmore.
• While the practical explanation for the veils is a communication error cover-up turned costuming tradition, there is no official in-universe explanation for why Ferengi wear headdresses.

Armin Shimerman, who played Quark on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , reveals the real reason that so many Ferengi characters wear veils on the back of their heads. Quark is one of the few Ferengi characters to go without a headdress, and also a main character in the cast of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , so the long-standing practical explanation for Ferengi veils is that they're a cost-cutting feature. Veils allegedly save DS9 's makeup department from creating full-coverage prosthetics like Quark's for every Ferengi from background players to recurring characters like Quark's brother, Rom (Max Grodénchik), and nephew, Nog (Aron Eisenberg). It makes sense, but Shimerman says it's not entirely true.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 1, episode 11, "The Nagus", introduces Grand Nagus Zek (Wallace Shawn) as the leader of Ferengi society, and establishes elements of Ferengi culture that shape the perception and portrayal of Ferengi characters in DS9 and later shows like Star Trek: Lower Decks . "The Nagus" contains the first direct reference to the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition , outlines the Ferengi funerary practice of selling the departed's dessicated remains, and shows how strict hierarchy within Ferengi society quietly dictates the behavior of Quark, Rom, Nog, and even the Nagus himself. Notably, the Grand Nagus, like Quark, does not wear a veil.

9 Ways DS9's Ferengi Changed Star Trek History

Quark actor armin shimerman explains ferengi headdress origin, shimerman "was there when it happened.".

On The Delta Flyers podcast, Armin Shimerman joins co-hosts Robert Duncan McNeill and Garrett Wang to discuss Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 1, episode 11, "The Nagus". After giving a shout-out to makeup artist Karen Westerfield for deciding to give Quark distinctive purple circles around his eyes, Shimerman points out another design element that sets Quark apart from most other Ferengi. Read their quotes below and listen to The Delta Flyers , starting at the 27:06 timestamp.

Armin Shimerman: You'll notice Rom has a veil behind his head, and Quark doesn't, and that, too, was part of the makeup designs. That was distinctly designed by [makeup supervisor] Michael Westmore.

Garrett Wang: The veil is because they didn't want to finish the back of that person's [makeup].

Armin Shimerman: It's not that they didn't want to, because I was there when it happened. The costume design department and the makeup department hadn't conferred about how far the makeup came down and how high the costume came up. And so on TNG, when I was made up as a Ferengi, when all the process was done, we realized there was a 3-inch gap of the back of my neck showing, and Michael went out and got a piece of material which he stapled to the rubber prosthesis.

Ferengi Veils Are Tradition On Star Trek: DS9

But why do ferengi wear those head pieces in-universe.

It's true the Ferengi head accessory was invented to cover an accidental gap in the makeup, but Ferengi veils continued to be used in Star Trek, after solving the problem on Star Trek: The Next Generation . The makeup and costuming departments on DS9 would have been aware of the gap between actors' prosthetics and costumes, so they could have compensated for it but still chose to incorporate Ferengi headpieces as tradition. Rom and Nog, who usually wear veils, don't have them in DS9 season 7, episode 4, "Take Me Out to the Holosuite", and veiled Ferengi are in the animated Star Trek: Lower Decks, which doesn't need prosthetics.

The practical explanation for Ferengi veils is a communication error cover-up turned costuming tradition, but why do Ferengi wear headdresses in-universe? While an official in-universe explanation for Ferengi veils doesn't exist , there are theories. The headpieces might reflect a lower position in society, so respected individuals like the Grand Nagus or successful entrepreneurs are exempt from wearing them. As a culturally significant accessory, veils are incorporated into uniforms for Nog in Starfleet and Rom in the Bajoran militia, but not the Niners baseball uniforms. It's likely Ferengi veils are just formal fashion for official occasions, but who knows? They might just be a way to save money after all.

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Ferengi headwear, Rom and Nog especially.

Discussion in ' Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ' started by Mr. Scott , Sep 17, 2010 .

Mr. Scott Commander

I would like to know about why some of the actors playing Ferengis wore that piece of cloth on the back of their heads. Was there a makeup reason to do this? The red headress behind Rom's head. Was there a practical reason the makeup department did this? Why didn't Armin Shimmerman's Quark wear one also (or Brunt, or Moogie?) Is there a name for this head dress?  

Danny99 Vice Admiral Admiral

First, that's a future Nog from The Visitor.  

Gul Re'jal Commodore Commodore

Maybe it was just like a hat and no special function. I have my own question too How did they attach those head pieces to their heads? In-universe, I mean.  

PorthosShadow Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

Danny99 said: ↑ First, that's a future Nog from The Visitor. Click to expand...

Timo Fleet Admiral Admiral

Since basically the only Ferengi actor who ever got the tedious hours needed for applying a proper neck makeup was Shimerman as Quark, and since basically every other Ferengi we saw was a pirate or military/mercenary sailor type of some sort, we could come up with a theory that Ferengi civilians don't wear that type of headgear, but the military types do. Rom might be a military wannabe. I mean, if he were a human character, I could so see him wearing a Navy baseball cap with his dirty coveralls... Timo Saloniemi  

Jono Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

Moogie wouldn't wear one because she's female and wearing clothes is illegal...or it was...  

AdmiralGarak Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

I'd say they're simply a working class fashion. That's why well-dressed Ferengi like Quark, Brunt, Gaila and the Nagus don't wear them.  

Mr. Scott said: ↑ Is there a name for this head dress? Click to expand...

Myasishchev Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

Wow, that's probably worse than "Vulcan neck pinch" or "Future Guy." Like you, I did always wonder how they put it on. Spirit gum, I guess, like a domino mask.  

AdmiralGarak said: ↑ I'd say they're simply a working class fashion. That's why well-dressed Ferengi like Quark, Brunt, Gaila and the Nagus don't wear them. Click to expand...

I am not Spock Commodore Commodore

Nog has several customised ones, too. When they switch to the padded-grey-shoulders FC uniforms in season 5, Nog gets a headdress thingy to match!  

indolover Fleet Captain

It could be religious, like the Bajoran earring. Or just a fashion.  

Too Much Fun Commodore Commodore

Those always reminded me of the ancient Egyptian headdress.  

The functionality of the neck piece should be obvious once one has seen Ferenginar. Remember the constant rain? The big bald head would offer some natural protection, but water getting inside your clothing by dribbling down the neck must be an annoyance. Perhaps these rain covers are considered "lower class" because an upperclass Ferengi business tycoon would have alternate means of avoiding getting wet? Timo Saloniemi  

KimMH Drinking your old posts Premium Member

^ The Ferengi seem aspirational - so it almost might make it declarative to wear something that shows your working-class status like "I'm working class and I'm just fine with that - we keep the planet running - you're welcome." Of course it could be mandated to show rank - or lack thereof . . .  

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Rom wears a Ferengi headskirt.

A headskirt is a Ferengi article of clothing worn across the back of the skull and neck, from ear to ear.

Quark 's father, Keldar , collected novelty headskirts commemorating great disasters throughout Ferenginar history. He left these to Quark in his Legacy Chest following his death, despite knowing Quark never wore headskirts.

Among the most highly valued novelty headskirts were those created during and shortly after the Ferengi-Lytasian conflict .

"You're so ugly, you have to wear your headskirt in front of your face" is considered one of the top ten insults in Ferengi history. ( DS9 reference : Legends of the Ferengi )

• 1 The Chase
• 2 Preserver (race)
• 3 J.P. Hanson

A Complete History of the Ferengi in Star Trek

One of the most controversial Star Trek: The Next Generation creations were the Ferengi, but they became an important alien species in its history.

Quick Links

The ferengi where created as the 'new klingons', the history of the ferengi alliance in star trek, the redemption of the ferengi as a species, the future of the ferengi and star trek.

There are countless interesting alien species in the Star Trek universe, and they have rich histories both in the narrative and off-screen. While some species like Vulcans or Klingons are immediately iconic, others take some time to ingratiate themselves with the fan community. The history of the Ferengi is one such story, since Star Trek fans took some time to warm up to the aliens that were meant to be a critique of capitalism . In fact, the idea that the Federation had moved beyond capitalism was present in the universe since the Star Trek: The Original Series era.

While developing Star Trek: Phase II , Gene Roddenberry and his writers tried to figure out how the universe of the Federation continued to evolve. The first attempted sequel series would've been a mash-up of The Original Series era settings and characters, along with new elements to expand the universe. That series, however, evolved into Star Trek: The Motion Picture and the successive film series. However, for the 20th anniversary of the universe, Paramount tapped Roddenberry to create a new series, this time set well into the future so as not to bump up against the films. It was through this process that the Ferengi were created by Roddenberry to have a huge role in the next chapter of his Star Trek universe .

What Deep Space Nine Moment Made Armin Shimerman Realize He Was in Star Trek?

When assembling the Phase II leftovers into Star Trek: The Next Generation , there were some changes that Roddenberry made. One such change was the idea that Klingons would no longer be the antagonists they were before, especially with the addition of Worf. Thus, he created the Ferengi and tapped producer Herbert J. Wright to further develop the species. Because the 1980s seemed to celebrate the idea of greed, the newest antagonists were meant to be a critique of that kind of capitalism. The Ferengi had a Hollywood twist, too, coming from "the stereotype of agents and lawyers being cutthroat, greedy and wanting only money," Wright told Cinefantastique in 1990.

After the first appearances of the Ferengi, fans hated them , and they were alone. Season 2 head writer Maurice Hurley also didn't enjoy the new antagonists. He called them "a waste of time" and said he was the "lone voice" speaking against them. Thus, when he took over, it was "good-bye Ferengi. They're out of here. Bring on the Borg!" he said in The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years by Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman. However, it wasn't over for them. When Deep Space Nine debuted, the show rehabilitated the Ferengi beyond the single-note villains they were in The Next Generation .

Actor Armin Shimerman wanted to fix his mistake , in his view, in how he defined the species through his performance in Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1, Episode 5 "The Last Outpost." The Ferengi became a massive part of that series. They also appeared in both Star Trek: Voyager and Enterprise , as well as showing up as background aliens in Star Trek: Discovery . Even with a rough beginning, the Ferengi found their place in the franchise and are here to stay.

Star Trek: Lower Decks Paid Off a Deep Space Nine Character Arc

In the Star Trek universe, the Ferengi have a long history with "hew-mans" despite not making official first contact with the Federation until the 24th Century. One time-travel adventure that changed Star Trek canon was the Deep Space Nine Season 4 episode "Little Green Men" when a time-travel anomaly sent Quark, Rom and Nog to Roswell, New Mexico in the 1950s. The Ferengi purchased warp drive technology in the mid-22nd Century but remained a mysterious merchant race. A group of Ferengi boarded and took over the NX-01 Enterprise in Star Trek: Enterprise Season 1's "Acquisition." While some aliens like the Bolians, Menk and Valakians knew of them, Vulcans and humans did not.

In the mid-24th Century, the USS Stargazer under the command of Captain Picard encountered Ferengi, which attacked. He used a "high warp" trick which made the Stargazer seem to be in two places at once, later called the Picard Maneuver. They were eventually identified in "The Last Outpost," considered the official first contact moment. They had successive hostile contacts with the USS Enterprise-D, including personal revenge against Picard himself for that first attack. Many Ferengi still tried to menace the Federation, such as the group that encountered the USS Voyager through an unstable wormhole.

Through their interaction with the Federation on Deep Space 9, the Ferengi became cautious allies of Starfleet . Under Grand Nagus Zek, and his successor Rom, the Ferengi society underwent reforms. Women gained more rights, and the Ferengi even helped oppose the Dominion. Under Zek's successor, Grand Nagus Rom, the Ferengi Alliance joined the Federation in the late 24th Century when Captain Freeman out-negotiated him during Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 4, Episode 6, " Parth Ferengi's Heart Place ."

How Deep Space Nine Elevated the Ferengi From Jokes to Serious Characters

During the run of Deep Space Nine , the Ferengi culture was further defined in ways The Next Generation never did. In fact, as the conflicts in that series between Starfleet and the Maquis, the Cardassians and Dominion unfolded, they became the conscience of the series. Quark often talked about how war was not good for "profit," however he, Rom and, especially, Nog were principled, moral characters. Rom left his brother's employ to become an engineer working for the Bajorans. However, it was his son Nog who had the most impact as a Ferengi on the universe.

Nog was the only other young character on the station, becoming fast friends with Jake Sisko. The latter, however, didn't want to follow in his father's footsteps and join Starfleet. Looking up to Captain Sisko, and with his help, Nog became the first Ferengi to join Starfleet . Later, Nog was injured in a battle against the Dominion, which led to the amputation of his leg. Nog had to overcome that trauma with the help of sentient hologram, Vic Fontaine . By the end of the series, he'd earned a promotion and, as far as canon goes, is still serving the galaxy with distinction.

A Complete Timeline of the Borg in Star Trek

When the USS Discovery time traveled to the 32nd Century and helped rebuild Starfleet and the Federation, the Ferengi were still there . An unnamed captain was seen amongst the ranks of Starfleet officers. Even as founding members like Earth and Ni'Var (the renamed Vulcan) left it behind, the Ferengi stayed loyal to the idealistic galactic union. When the new series Starfleet Academy debuts, it's quite possible that more Ferengi characters will be introduced among the cadets or, perhaps, the academy professors. Perhaps by this time in the future, they'd left behind their capitalist ways, no longer caring about profit or gold-pressed Latinum.

On Star Trek: Lower Decks the Ferengi have appeared in a number of episodes, beyond the one in which the Ferengi Alliance officially joined the Federation . It was revealed that Quark is still on Deep Space 9, though his eponymous bar has become a franchise with locations all across the galaxy. Another Ferengi named Quimp is friends with Mariner and appeared in Lower Decks Season 1's "Envoys" impersonating a cruel, criminal so that her friend Brad Boimler could "save" her. Later, in "Part Ferengi's Heart Place," he helped Mariner get to the root of her malaise about her promotion and future in Starfleet.

Despite almost disappearing from Star Trek entirely in the early TNG seasons , the Ferengi have become as vital a part of the universe as any aliens. While they didn't become the "new Klingons" as was originally envisioned, their impact on galactic history is perhaps more profound because of it. Like most Star Trek antagonists, they've gone from simple villains to becoming full-fledged allies of Starfleet. Whatever is next for the Ferengi in this universe, it's bound to be interesting.

Star Trek: Discovery will debut its fifth and final season on Paramount+ on April 4, 2024.

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Published Oct 28, 2019

One Fan's Mission to Acquire All Things Ferengi

We talk to Francis Scofield, a fan with one of the largest Ferengi costume collections in the world.

StarTrek.com / Francis Scofield

The Ferengi may value the Rules of Acquisition, but Star Trek fan Francis Scofield truly rules at acquiring Ferengi costumes and memorabilia. Always entranced by the profit-driven species, Scofield sought to own a screen-used treasure when Christie’s Auction House presented its massive sale centered upon Star Trek props in 2006. Of course, as any good Ferengi trader would confess, one possession is never enough.

Scofield’s small purchase quickly turned into a full-time hobby, ultimately blossoming into a personal museum that he refers to as “New Ferenginar.” The intrepid fan meticulously researches each item he manages to find and combs through hours of footage from the various series to identify the episodes in which each item surfaces. Taking a cue from the Seventy-Fourth Rule of Acquisition (“Knowledge equals profit”), Scofield catalogs his quest on his New Ferenginar blog .

The enthusiast’s endeavor has gained notoriety throughout Star Trek circles, which has resulted in some very unique opportunities. GQ Magazine contacted Scofield to dress up as a Ferengi and participate in a photo shoot with Captain Kirk actor Chris Pine for their December 2009 issue. And, Scofield even collaborated with beloved Ferengi actors Max Grodénchik and the late Aron Eisenberg when he loaned them some of their old costumes for a series of public appearances.

StarTrek.com

While Scofield’s intricate Ferengi costumes receive a significant amount of attention, his museum also consists of much more than fabric garments. A tongo wheel, beetle snuff container, Ferengi phaser, pieces of furniture, and the dabo table from Quark’s Bar all call his collection home. StarTrek.com recently had the opportunity to speak with Scofield about his journey and discuss a variety of Ferengi-related topics.

StarTrek.com: While your passion for Ferengi memorabilia is well-known, you also love Star Trek itself. How were you introduced to the franchise?

Francis Scofield: I am lucky enough to have a mother that was a bit kooky and was always into space exploration, the supernatural, other dimensions, Twilight Zone -y stuff. Because of this, my brothers and I spent much of our youth in the 1970s watching and enjoying every science fiction TV show on the air at that time. Star Trek was her personal favorite and it became mine as well. It's all her fault, really.

At what point did you realize that the Ferengi were of particular interest to you?

FS: When I saw Quark in his 'Cranberry Stripe' outfit. I watched him walk around with those amazing coattails and the match was lit. I loved the Ferengi and I wanted that costume. The Ferengi had so much character and they were showcased well on DS9. Ten years later, that very costume was proudly displayed in my living room… and my non- Trek friends thought I was mental.

Francis Scofield

The characterization of the Ferengi species evolved significantly from their initial appearances in The Next Generation to their prominent role in Deep Space Nine . Do you enjoy going back to examine their origins as a potential foe for the Federation?

FS: I can't say that I enjoy going back to their origins, as their first appearance in “The Last Outpost” is very cringe worthy. However, there was a major course correction over the next several times we saw them in TNG by generally making them more like opportunistic buffoons and also introducing a Ferengi scientist. However, I do own three of the Season 1 costumes, so maybe I like their origins more than I admit to myself.

Your fascination with Star Trek prompted you to purchase your first screen-used item. What inspired you to focus on pursuing costumes and props related to Ferengi characters?

FS: When I purchased my first Ferengi costume. I had seen them in all of the Star Trek series and enjoyed them already, but when you see and touch the actual wardrobe they wore, it is on a whole different level. The way Robert Blackman pulled together very different jacquard fabrics with colorful and sometimes wild patterns is nothing short of brilliant.

You have obtained your costume collection from a variety of sources. Can you give us an example of the process behind finding and acquiring these items?

FS: I was lucky enough to be on the ground level when the massive Star Trek auctions were happening, so a large chunk came from those auctions or from other people I knew that bought from those auctions. I have also bought items from Ebay and from people who worked on the shows. On occasion, I am contacted through my blog from someone with an item to sell, so you never know when something can turn up.

Your New Ferenginar blog is incredibly thorough. How much time do you spend researching the history behind each item?

FS: The research I do is mostly for my own curiosity and trivia, and it can take considerable amounts of time. Each costume is already special, but I Iove some of the minutiae like how many episodes was this worn in? Who made the fabric for a particular costume? Silly stuff honestly, but one must feed the addiction somehow.

Have you established a specific procedure for verifying a costume's authenticity?

FS: Star Trek costumes are generally easy to authenticate. While not a hard rule, most will have tags sewn in to the costume stating the show and the performer or character. On the occasion that a costume does not have any tags or verifiable provenance, screen matching is a great help, especially if the costume has a distinct pattern.

While your collection primarily highlights Ferengi garments, you have also brought together an impressive array of props. What compelled you to begin searching for those additional Ferengi-related items?

FS: When I bought the actual dabo table from the show. I didn't have space for it, so I passively bought it and a number of the neon lit tables and a dozen chairs. Once I set those up in my house, I got bit by the bug to get more. I was a bit late to the party for collecting Ferengi props, so I don't have a ton. Prop-focused collectors tend to be a bit more tight fisted with their collections and don't let their stuff go easily.

Are there any collectible pieces that have eluded you?

FS: Yes. The actual bar counter and shelving unit from the show. I want it very badly. It still exists and I have tracked its movements for years. During a face-to-face conversation with John Van Citters, I asked him, “How much, and whom do I make the check out to?” I was that serious!

You have met with many Star Trek actors, ranging from appearing in a photo shoot with Chris Pine to working with Max Grodénchik and the late Aron Eisenberg. What has been your most memorable collaboration?

FS: Memorable? While the examples you provided were most certainly great moments, I'm thinking making Max a new set of Rom teeth for his 'in costume' appearances. His original screen-used were lost or stolen at a convention years back, and the modified vampire teeth he was using were ghastly!

So I had him go to his dentist and get me an actual mold of his teeth, which he did. I then personally fabricated a set of wearable and accurate Rom teeth, but the process was grueling as I had never done anything like that before, and I didn't know anyone who could help me.

The tragedy is I only made one set, and maybe 6 months later he calls me telling me the hotel cleaning staff lost the top half of the teeth! I didn't have a second set to send, so in some of the photo ops he has great teeth and some he has just the lowers.

Considering the value that the Ferengi place on sharpening their teeth, it must feel very satisfying to be an informal dental adviser to the Grand Nagus.

FS: Informal dental advisor to be sure, but also helped to brainstorm ideas for the skits used by Rom and Nog [at Star Trek Las Vegas] And Rom is the Grand Nagus! I wanted to see a Grand Nagus Rom so bad that I brought him the screen worn cloak and cane for my photo op with him.

Where do you display all of the pieces you have collected? How many costumes are housed in "New Ferenginar" at this time?

FS: The pieces are proudly on display at my house. The construction, use of color, pattern, and texture are incredible, and I look at the costumes as a sculpture or piece of art. How many? I haven't counted, but dozens is about right.

While it is surely a difficult choice, do you have a favorite Ferengi costume? Is there a Ferengi character or episode that holds a special meaning for you?

FS: My favorite costume is hands down the Nilva costume. It was my first Ferengi costume and it was the carrot I used to have the talent agency put me in the GQ photo shoot with Chris Pine. Character or episode… that is a difficult choice! I love Rom for so many reasons, so he may be my favorite Ferengi. My favorite Ferengi episode might be “Business As Usual,” mostly for the scene where Quark struggles with the thought that his actions could lead to the death of innocent millions. Armin emotes the grief and horror so bang on in that one scene that it moves me every time.

What is the most interesting fact or piece of trivia related to the Ferengi or Star Trek that you've learned during your collecting journey?

FS: Several things actually. When the Ferengi actors weren't on camera, they wore loose white gloves to avoid makeup transfer. Also, for Star Trek (2009) , the way Chris sits in the captain's chair with his leg crossed was on purpose to mimic the way William Shatner did in TOS. One more: when Kirk enters the bridge at the end of the film and says, “Bones,” it was shot three ways. Once with Chris doing it his way, another with full Shatner, and a third with an in the middle approach, which is what was used in the film.

Jay Stobie (he/him) is a freelance science fiction writer who contributes articles to the official Star Trek website and Star Trek Magazine. He can be found on Twitter and Instagram at @StobiesGalaxy.

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Star Trek: 10 Starfleet Rules You Never Knew Existed

Some of the most fascinating laws that everyone in Starfleet should follow.

At this point, characters in Star Trek have referenced so many obscure Starfleet regulations that many are easy to forget, despite how interesting they are when you really think about them. Some of these laws can actually really change the way you view the Federation as an organisation.

We've already done one list of strange Starfleet rules, so you can check that out if you want to see what we've already covered, but there are so many more obscure regulations, codes, and general orders that have been mentioned.

You'll also come to realise that, while some of these Starfleet rules make perfect sense, others are incredibly open to interpretation and poorly worded. A few even get ignored the vast majority of the time, until it's convenient for the plot. Still, it's impressive that the writers were able to keep the fictional rulebook so consistent for so long (with a few exceptions of course).

10. The Starfleet Uniform Code

Starfleet's uniform code was not as strict as you may think. Enforcement was largely up to the discretion of the captain, and some officers, like Deanna Troi, were allowed to wear casual clothing on duty. Though she was forced to wear a standard uniform when Captain Jellico temporarily took command.

There were also a number of allowances made for cultural accessories, including Ro Laren's earring, Worf's baldric, Nog's Ferengi headdress, and Scotty's kilt and sporran, which he wore as part of his dress uniform. Ensign Mesk was even allowed to carry a very dangerous Orion multi-key because of a religious exemption. However, Ro was initially prevented from wearing her earring, so it's possible that these allowances were also up to the captain's discretion.

Certain species also needed different uniform styles because of their unique physiology, such as Arex from The Animated Series, the beluga whales from Lower Decks, and Saru from Discovery.

Different uniform styles would also often be used at the same time in Starfleet. While the grey-shouldered uniforms from the Next Generation films were still being used, California-class ships and others used the style from Lower Decks. During this same time period, Starbase 80 used their own variant that we saw in Trusted Sources, and some styles were used only on specific missions, like the ones from the DS9 episode Shadows And Symbols, which were optimised for hot and sandy environments.

Marcia Fry is a writer for WhatCulture and an amateur filmmaker.

Star Trek: Are The Ferengi An Anti-Semitic Stereotype?

There are lots of parallels that have made this race highly questionable, but are Star Trek's Ferengi race truly anti-Semitic?

When talking about the Star Trek universe and its diverse and striking line-up of beloved characters, one small and beloved bartender often comes up in conversation. Not Guinan ( played by Whoopi Goldberg ), but Quark (Armin Shimerman), the lovable and often mysterious Ferengi aboard the space station in Deep Space 9 . Looking at the show today, however, it's hard to say how well Quark, as well as the stereotypical Ferengi has aged, especially when examining the show under the lens of racial profiling.

When Gene Roddenberry first proposed the idea for Star Trek back in the late 60s, his heart was set on creating something different that could tackle cultural problems through futuristic storytelling. He wanted to create a future where kindness and acceptance were key, full of optimism of a united future. As such, many episodes in the original Star Trek series focused on contemporary problems, such as racism and prejudice, which can make for accidental (as it is strongly considered to be accidentally rather than purposeful) discrimination. The problem with the Ferengi is an unfortunate result of the greater problem with a lot of alien representation, albeit strongly present within the Star Trek franchise . When developing alien races and cultures, science fiction creators often fall into the same trap: defining them using human stereotypes. It’s nearly impossible to not do this, as it would involve creating emotions that don't exist or are at least unfathomable to humans.

RELATED: How Portrayals Of The Borg Have Changed Since Their First Appearance

The Klingons, for example, are personifications of a very human sense of pride, honor, and anger, and are heavily based on feudal Japanese culture. The Betazoids represent emotions and empathy, whereas the Vulcans show logic and rationality. These are all human attributes, all just part of what makes a human, human. Each and every one of us shows each of these characteristics, often all at once. Humans are not defined by any of these emotions; instead, a complete culture takes elements of everything.

This is not to say each species in Star Trek is without depth. The Klingons are shown to have empathy, much like the Vulcans are shown, although rarely, to have emotions. They are, however, stereotypes that reduce an entire species, let alone a culture, into one or two characteristics. This becomes an issue when the stereotype defining a particular species has, historically, been dangerously close to an antisemitic one. Star Trek 's Ferengi culture is one obsessed with wealth, capitalism, and a greed unparalleled, all typically discriminative features associated with Jewish people.

While cultural and personality traits may not directly draw a concrete parallel, their physical appearance could also be considered to be dangerously antisemitic. The Ferengi's defining anatomical features exaggerated large heads, cartoonishly big ears, small dark beady eyes, and demonic pointed teeth. Their overall look had been described as a blend of Nazi caricatures of Jews, most notably regarding their teeth. Some have said that this reflects the story of Nosferatu, a rich vampire who writes in a strange alphabet, comes from the east to Germany bringing a plague with him, and wants to steal a young Christian woman.

The parallels don't end here, as the Ferengi religion could be described as a parody of traditional Judaism. In the Star Trek universe, the Ferengi follow what they call the 285 Rule of Acquisition, loosely mirroring the 613 Commandments in Judaism. The Ferengi also regard business transactions as almost holy activities, and forbid women from partaking, much like in traditional Jedasim’s exclusion of women studying the Torah. In the Next Generation episode "Suspicion," it is also revealed that the Ferengi forbid desecration of the deceased body, forbidding Dr Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) from performing an autopsy despite the suspicious cause of death, a belief also held in Judaism.

As a counterargument, the apparent antisemitic stereotype of their appearance, personality, and culture could be explained as a highly unfortunate coincidence. When the Ferengi first appeared in the first season of Next Generation, they were originally supposed to be the next big villains, the new Klingons of the Original Series. With the introduction of peace between the Klingons and Federation, as well as the presence of Worf aboard the Enterprise , the show intended for the Ferengi to take their place. However, there was nothing threatening or particularly scary about the Ferengi, so they were quickly replaced by the Borg . It was only when they returned in Deep Space 9 that the Ferengi were written to be the greedy, money-hoarding barterers. Their design had already been in place long before these characteristics were incorporated.

It is also worth noting that the word "Ferengi" is derived from the Arabic word "faranji," meaning "Frank," which refers to the Frankish/European traders who made contact with Arabic traders. It could be possible to say that, with their repressive treatment of women, they actually represent fundamentalist Islam more closely than Judaism. For this reason, it’s possible to explain their culture, much like many of the other races present in Star Trek , as simply an amalgamation of various cultures and human characteristics rolled into one. This results in drawing parallels, albeit unfortunate parallels, with various stereotypes in human culture.

MORE: Star Trek: What Is Q?

Ferengi language

• View history

Ferengi script.

The Ferengi language was the spoken and written language of the Ferengi used on Ferenginar .

• 1 Written language
• 2.1 Words and phrases
• 2.2 Examples of spoken language
• 3.1 Background information
• 3.2 Apocrypha
• 3.3 External link

Written language [ ]

The Ferengi alphabet (center)

A hand-written message by Rom : " Dear Quark, Used parts from your disruptor to fix the replicators. Will return them soon. – Rom. "

Ferengi writing looked much like a flowchart, with many sixty degree angles. Text radiated from the center outward, which indicated the direction of writing as well. Ferengi text could be written with or without a central hexagon, radiating from one side of a hexagon only and in single horizontal lines on signs and short notes. ( TNG : " Ménage à Troi "; DS9 : " Body Parts ").

Keiko O'Brien 's classroom featured a chart depicting the English , the Bajoran , the Cardassian , and the Ferengi alphabets. The chart listed some sixty-plus Ferengi language symbols. ( DS9 : " The Nagus ", " In the Hands of the Prophets ", " Cardassians ")

Odo could read written Ferengi. ( DS9 : " The Way of the Warrior ")

A bar in District Six on M'talas Prime featured signage in Ferengi as well as the Romulan language . ( PIC : " The Next Generation ")

Spoken language [ ]

Because Ferenginar experienced near constant rainstorms , there were 178 different Ferengi words for types of rain. Because of the high humidity, there was also no word for "crisp" in Ferengi. ( DS9 : " Let He Who Is Without Sin... ")

Words and phrases [ ]

• DaiMon – a rank given to one in charge of a starship ; roughly analogous to a Federation captain . ( TNG : " The Last Outpost ")
• Gren – You ( DS9 : " Little Green Men ")
• glebbening – an especially severe rainstorm ( DS9 : " Let He Who Is Without Sin... ")
• Kora noosa? – Anything? ( ENT : " Acquisition ")
• Lahje – here ( ENT : " Acquisition ")
• Lat – to (such as between the names of a sender and recipient, when hailing someone.) ( ENT : " Acquisition ")
• Latinum – Ferengi currency. ( ENT : " Acquisition ")
• Lobeling – a child. ( DS9 : " Profit and Lace ")
• Moogie – (informal) "mom" or mother. ( DS9 : " Family Business ")
• Nagus – a title of authority; esp. Grand Nagus, leader of the Ferengi Alliance . ( DS9 : " The Nagus ")
• NanDi – Excellent ( ENT : " Acquisition ")
• Nass – No ( ENT : " Acquisition ")
• Neep-gren – Thank you ( DS9 : " Little Green Men ")
• oo-mox – massage of the ears , a sexual practice . There was no non-Ferengi translation for this word. ( TNG : " Ménage à Troi ")
• Yoba – Brother ( DS9 : " Little Green Men ")
• Yop – I ( DS9 : " Little Green Men ")
• Yop-im too – I'm sorry ( DS9 : " Little Green Men ")

Examples of spoken language [ ]

Keh-ee Yoor-ee Dah-teh-ee…

Goss uff wok ton.

Brik yop tal hopdrew, ki los hoem bog?

Gren fatarik oo-mox?

Gren fa hoe loth pex-pil?

Vo yop toe pah?

Yop triska gleep do-sta gren-la.

Irr zoun nagool ahsp.

Cucht eeta ekrajhn-voy?

Irr gnales. Nohm setron quetsivoo!

Cucht nee va zeh?

Y-solah-na.

Tenda sout bazul. Ningor.

Gar-day latinum sou-tah!

Ehj saf-rey tomen-dee.

Konah see-oh-mahj irr zoon.

Senpa tah-moy. Lorala rrela!

Latinum soun teyvalah

Ulis tenda vool.

Sop moepree.

La-voy Daemon.

Letra deemo mirra!

Feesha vou dole!

Ree-jahvey.

Guzah puh naam.

Sel tre-oght da-techt.

Ehj ocuuz sahfi?

Guzah louz.

Ingala habi.

Ingala duk habi?

Duk habi nakustra?

Bok megoron duk…?

Appendices [ ]

Background information [ ].

The spoken Ferengi from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine seems constructed differently than that spoken in ENT : " Acquisition ", though the two may be different dialects/languages.

Ferengi statements that were scripted for but don't feature in "Acquisition" include:

Lir rrela toh teepah.

Yrutu mahs.

Rrela pik'tabol…

Sen-pah tou!

Apocrypha [ ]

According to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (Pocket) novel The 34th Rule , the Ferengi language has fifty-seven words for "customer." According to the novel Time's Enemy , there are also several words for "no," depending on how much negotiation it will take to change someone's mind.

Frinx was a Ferengi expletive used in a number of different novels, including The Fall of Terok Nor , Inferno , and the Star Trek: Titan novel Orion's Hounds .

External link [ ]

• Ferengi language at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• 3 Ancient humanoid