What does the term "bokeh" refer to?

The term "bokeh" refers to the aesthetic quality of the blur found in the out-of-focus areas of an image. This effect is particularly noticeable in photographs where there are elements in sharp focus against a background that is intentionally blurred. The characteristics of this blur can greatly impact the overall mood and visual appeal of an image, as different lenses and aperture settings can produce varying degrees of softness, color, and shape in the blurred areas. Bokeh is often sought after in portrait photography, where subjects are isolated against a gently blurred background, drawing attention directly to them while still providing context in the image.