bobbejaantjie, noun
/ˌbɔbəˈjaɪŋki/, /ˌbɔbəˈjaɪŋci/
- Forms:
- Show more Formerly also babiaantje, babiaantjie, babiantje, bavyantje, bobbejantjie, and with initial capital.
- Origin:
- Afrikaans, South African Dutch, Middle DutchShow more Afrikaans, contraction of bobbejaanuintjie, from South African Dutch babiaan uyntje, from Middle Dutch babiaen or Dutch baviaan baboon + uien bulb, tuber + diminutive suffix -ie; see also quotation 1917.
Any of several species of cormous plant of the genus Babiana of the Iridaceae, with blue, white, purple, yellow, or scarlet flowers; Babiana; baviaan sense 3; bobbejaanuintjie, see bobbejaan sense 2.
[1795 C.R. Hopson tr. of C.P. Thunberg’s Trav. I. 285The baboons of Table Mountain..feed also upon the pulpous bulbs of several plants...The Gladiolus plicatus appears to be the most favourite,..for which reason..this plant is known by the name of the Baboon.]
1974 Cape Times 28 Sept. (Suppl.) 1The orchards north of the Outeniquas are covered with blossoms. There are..‘bobbejaantjies’ by the million in the veld.
Any of several species of cormous plant of the genus Babiana of the Iridaceae, with blue, white, purple, yellow, or scarlet flowers; Babiana; baviaan sense 3; bobbejaanuintjie, see bobbejaan sense 2.
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