honey-badger, noun
- Origin:
- See quotation 1959.
The ratel (sense 1), Mellivora capensis.
- Note:
- This animal is found throughout Africa, and in parts of Asia and India, but the name appears to have originated in South African English.
1884 J.S. Kingsley Stand. Nat. Hist. V. 392The ratels or honey-badger..surpass the skunk in burrowing activity.
1989 L. Badenhorst in Motorist May 5A vicious honeybadger going round in defiant circles uttering menacing growls, no doubt after..a tin of golden syrup.
The ratel (sense 1), Mellivora capensis.
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