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.