Definition

1. Noun:
   • An offensive and insulting term for a Black African person: This is a highly derogatory and racist term used historically in South Africa. Its use is considered extremely offensive and unacceptable.
   • A type of sorghum: This refers to a cereal plant (Sorghum bicolor), important for grain and forage, with leaves that have sawtooth edges.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Derogatory):

  • The use of the word 'kaffir' is a punishable offense in South Africa.
  • Historical texts containing this term are studied with the understanding of its deeply offensive nature.

• Noun (Botany):

  • Kaffir corn is a drought-resistant crop grown in arid regions.
  • The farmer planted a field of kaffir for animal feed.

Advanced Usage

• Due to the primary meaning's extreme offensiveness, the term is almost exclusively encountered in historical or academic contexts discussing racism and apartheid. In modern botanical or agricultural contexts, the terms "sorghum" or specific cultivar names are strongly preferred to avoid any association with the slur.

Variants and Related Words

• Kaffir corn (n): Another name for sorghum, particularly a variety used for grain.
• Kaffir lime (n): The name of a citrus fruit (), primarily used in Southeast Asian cuisine. Note: While still in use, this name is increasingly considered problematic, and alternatives like "Makrut lime" are being adopted.

Synonyms

• For the derogatory term: Slur, epithet (these describe the type of word, not synonyms to be used).
• For the plant: Sorghum, grain sorghum, .

Important Note on Usage

CRITICAL WARNING: The primary definition of 'kaffir' as a term for a person is a severe racial slur. It should never be used in speech or writing to refer to a person. Even when discussing the plant, caution is advised, and using the scientific or more common name "sorghum" is strongly recommended to prevent causing offense.

Noun

1. an offensive and insulting term for any Black African
2. important for human and animal food; growth habit and stem form similar to Indian corn but having sawtooth-edged leaves