kaffir bread
Definition
Noun 1. A South African cycad (Encephalartos caffer or related species): This refers to the plant itself, a type of cycad native to South Africa. 2. The edible, farinaceous (starchy) pith from the fruit of this cycad: This refers to the part of the plant traditionally used as a source of food.
Usage Notes
- The term "kaffir bread" is considered highly offensive and derogatory in contemporary usage due to the history of the word "kaffir." Its use is strongly discouraged.
- In modern botanical and culinary contexts, the plant is referred to by its scientific name (e.g., ) or as a "South African cycad." The foodstuff is described as "cycad pith" or "bread made from cycad pith."
Examples
- Noun (Plant):
- The kaffir bread is a slow-growing cycad found in the Eastern Cape.
- Noun (Food):
- Traditional preparation of kaffir bread involved fermenting the pith to remove toxins.
Advanced Usage
- The term appears primarily in historical texts, early botanical descriptions, or anthropological studies documenting traditional food sources. Its use today outside of a critical historical context is inappropriate.
Variants and Related Words
- Botanical Name:
- Common Names: Bread tree, cycad (Note: "cycad" is a broad family name; not all cycads are used for food).
- Related Food Term: Cycad bread, cycad starch.
Important Note on Terminology
The word "kaffir" is an ethnic slur with a deeply offensive history in South Africa. Therefore, the compound term "kaffir bread" is obsolete and unacceptable in modern English. This entry is provided for historical and lexicographical accuracy only. Always use the plant's botanical name or neutral descriptive terms.
Noun
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South African cycad; the farinaceous pith of the fruit used as food
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