caffer
- noun
- Slur
- Buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) are still found in Tabwa lands, although they are far less common than they were prior to the introduction of gun hunting (IAAPB 1892:11).
Examples
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The term caffer is considered deeply offensive and should not be used in modern conversation.
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Relevant to our discussion of buffalo imagery in Russian arts is the grass or Sudan buffalo, Syncerus caffer brachyceros, sometimes also referred to as the "black buffalo" (Convers 1998:80).
Academic text (2008) -
Indeed, in Senufo thought, hunters are likened to the strength and fearlessness of the so-called black buffalo (Syncerus caffer brachyceros).
Academic text (2008) -
Using the word caffer to describe someone is unacceptable and reflects ignorance.
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Many people are unaware that caffer is a derogatory term for Black Africans.
Compounds
- Specialized
A palm-like South African plant whose starchy inner part people sometimes eat
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word caffer comes from the Arabic word kafir, which means 'unbeliever' or 'infidel'. European colonists used kafir to call Black people in southern Africa 'outsiders', and over time caffer became a very insulting slur that is now extremely offensive and should never be used.
