Bokmakierie

/ˈbɒkməˌkɪəri/ noun

Definition

A large African shrub or small tree with green and yellow foliage, native to South Africa, also referring to a type of strike or hit in sports.

Etymology

From Afrikaans/Dutch, likely imitative or onomatopoetic in origin, possibly influenced by the bird's harsh call or the sound of striking. The word appears in both ornithological and sporting contexts.

Kelly Says

The bokmakierie is a real South African bird whose name comes from its call—when you say the word aloud, you're almost imitating the bird itself! It's onomatopoeia that traveled from Afrikaans into English.

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