Jan Frederik, noun phrase

/ˌjanˈfrid(ə)rək//janˈfrɪəd(ə)rək/
Forms:
Also Jan Fredric.
Origin:
Afrikaans, South African DutchShow more Afrikaans (earlier South African Dutch), onomatopoeic, for the sound of its call.
The Cape robin (see Cape sense 2 a), Cossypha caffra; a representation of its call. Also attributive.
c1808 C. von Linné System of Nat. Hist. VIII. 337The John-Frederic is very common through all that fourth part of Africa reaching from the Cape-town to Caffraria along the east coast.
a1867 C.J. Andersson Notes on Birds of Damara Land (1872) 119The male sings very pleasantly; and his notes have been likened to the following differently intoned syllables, jan-fredric-dric-dric fredric, whence its colonial name of Jan frédric.
1896 H.A. Bryden Tales of S. Afr. 109You may see and hear the lively, inquisitive Jan Fredric thrush, with his pleasing song, and his curious note — ‘Jan-fredric-dric-dric-fredric.’
1923 Haagner & Ivy Sketches of S. Afr. Bird-Life 170The commonest member of the Robin-Chats is the ‘Cape’ species (Cossypha caffra) called the Cape Robin or Jan Fredric.
1936 E.L. Gill First Guide to S. Afr. Birds 64Cape Robin, Jan Frederik..Has a typical thrush-and-robin song, clear and ringing, delivered in phrases.
1983 K.B. Newman Newman’s Birds 324Cape Robin,..Has a pleasant and continuing song, each passage starting on the same note and with the phrase ‘Jan-Frederik’ often repeated.
The Cape robin (see Cape sense 2 a), Cossypha caffra; a representation of its call. Also attributive.
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Afrikaans
Janfiskaal, nounn.Jangroentjie, nounn.
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