hottentot fig: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Botanical
Quick answer
What does “hottentot fig” mean?
A succulent plant native to South Africa with edible fruit, also known as sour fig.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A succulent plant native to South Africa with edible fruit, also known as sour fig.
The fruit of this plant, used in jams and preserves; the plant itself (Carpobrotus edulis) often used for ground cover and dune stabilization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term, but UK usage may reflect historical botanical literature, while US usage is largely confined to coastal botany (e.g., California).
Connotations
Potentially problematic due to archaic colonial terminology. Neutral in purely botanical contexts.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage; higher in specific botanical, horticultural, or South African contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “hottentot fig” in a Sentence
The hottentot fig [VERB] along the dunes.They harvested [NOUN: hottentot figs].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hottentot fig” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [The plant is not used as a verb]
American English
- [The plant is not used as a verb]
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The hottentot-fig cover was effective for erosion.
American English
- They studied the hottentot fig population on the bluffs.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; potentially in niche horticultural trade.
Academic
Used in botany, ecology, and invasive species literature.
Everyday
Virtually unused except in specific regions (e.g., South Africa, California).
Technical
Standard term in botanical identification, though "Carpobrotus edulis" is preferred.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hottentot fig”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hottentot fig”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hottentot fig”
- Capitalizing 'hottentot' (it's typically lowercase).
- Using it as a general term for any succulent.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The term 'hottentot' is an archaic and now often considered derogatory name for the Khoikhoi people. In modern scientific and horticultural contexts, using the botanical name Carpobrotus edulis or common names like 'sour fig' or 'ice plant' is preferred.
It is native to South Africa but has been introduced to many other coastal regions with Mediterranean climates, such as California, Australia, and the Mediterranean basin, where it can become invasive.
Yes, the fruit is edible and often used to make jams and preserves. It has a sour-sweet taste.
The name 'fig' likely comes from the superficial resemblance of its fruiting structure to that of a true fig (Ficus), though they are botanically unrelated.
A succulent plant native to South Africa with edible fruit, also known as sour fig.
Hottentot fig is usually technical/botanical in register.
Hottentot fig: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒtənˌtɒt ˈfɪɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːtənˌtɑːt ˈfɪɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'hot tent' on the 'tot' (small hill) where a 'fig' grows—a succulent plant found in dry, coastal areas.
Conceptual Metaphor
[Not commonly conceptualized metaphorically]
Practice
Quiz
What is another common name for the hottentot fig?