moffie en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈmɒfi/
Etymology
Probably borrowed from Afrikaans moffie (from mofskaap, a Merino sheep), or possibly derived from mophrodite (a slang variant of hermaphrodite). Other theories derive it from Afrikaans moffie (“mitten”) or from English mauve but are considered tenuous and far-fetched.
Meanings
-
(South-Africa, derogatory, offensive) An effeminate homosexual man; fairy.
Sometimes, they admonished their children in mock-protest for following and making fun of the moffies. "Go away," one moffie said in a shrilly^([sic]) voice, elaborately fanning out long painted scissors-like fingernails to scare the children away.
2005, Verenia Keet, Colored Hill, page 78:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| moffies | Number=Plur | lexicographic |