spanspek
The Afrikaans word for melon is spanspek.
The word refers to the melon fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
Did you know?
- The word spanspek is a linguistic oddity that actually means 'Spanish bacon' when you look at its roots, 'Spaanse spek'.
- While it refers to a melon, the name 'Spanish bacon' likely refers to the striped pattern on the skin of the fruit, which looks like cured meat.
- In South African English, people often use the Afrikaans word spanspek even when speaking English, treating it as a loanword.
Examples in context
- Ek het 'n heerlike waatlemoen by die mark gekoop.I bought a delicious melon at the market.
- Vandag is 'n warm dag, ek gaan 'n waatlemoen eet.Today is a hot day, I am going to eat a melon.
- Die spanspek is baie soet.The melon is very sweet.
- Ons koop 'n groot spanspek.We are buying a large melon.
- Ek hou van vars spanspek.I like fresh melon.
Example conversation
Nicola and Johan are preparing a fruit salad.
- NicolaJohan, kan jy die spanspek skil?Johan, can you peel the melon?
- JohanJa, ek doen dit nou.Yes, I will do it now.
- NicolaDankie, dit is my gunsteling vrug.Thanks, it is my favorite fruit.
- JohanEk stem saam, Nicola.I agree, Nicola.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry spanspek, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries spanspek, CC BY-SA 4.0.
