moffie

English

Etymology

Probably borrowed from Afrikaans moffie (from mofskaap, a castrated 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.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈmɒfi/
• Rhymes: -ɒfi

Noun

moffie (plural moffies)

1. (South Africa, derogatory, offensive) An effeminate homosexual man; faggot, fairy.
   • 2005, Verenia Keet, Colored Hill, page 78:

     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.

Afrikaans

Etymology 1

Probably from French moufle

Noun

moffie (plural moffies)

1. mitten

Etymology 2

From mofskaap, a merino sheep.

Noun

moffie (plural moffies)

1. (often derogatory) homosexual man

   Synonym: gay