Kaffir facts for kids

The word Kaffir has been used in many different ways throughout history. It can refer to a religious term, different groups of people, places, plants, and even an engine. It's important to know that one of its uses, especially in South Africa, is a very offensive word.

Meanings of Kaffir

In Islam

The word Kafir (sometimes spelled Kaffir) is an Islamic term. It usually means unbeliever or someone who does not follow Islam. It's similar to how the word pagan was used in Christian history.

In Africa

• Nguni languages: In the 1800s, some people called the Nguni languages (spoken by groups like the Zulu and Xhosa) "Kaffa languages."
• Fanagalo: This is a pidgin language, which means it's a mix of different languages. It's based on Zulu and was once called Kitchen Kaffir. People used it to communicate in mines and homes.
• Kaffraria: This was a name for a historical area in South Africa. It included places like King William's Town and East London. It was even called British Kaffraria for a while.
• Kaffir boom: This is a type of tree called Erythrina lysistemon. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which includes peas and beans.
• South African ethnic slur: In South Africa, "Kaffir" became a very offensive and hurtful word used to insult black people. It's thought to have come from the language of the Cape Malay people, who are an Islamic group. Using this word is considered very rude and disrespectful.

In South Asia

• Sri Lanka Kaffir people: This is an ethnic group living in Sri Lanka. They are descendants of people who came from Africa.
• Sri Lanka Kaffir language: This is a creole language spoken by the Sri Lanka Kaffir people. A creole language is a new language that forms when different languages mix.

In the Middle East

• Kafiristan: This was the old name for a region in Afghanistan, now called Nuristan Province. The name means "land of the Kafirs."
• Nuristani people: These are the people who live in the Nuristan Province. They are descendants of the people who lived in Kafiristan.
• Nuristani languages: These are the languages spoken by the Nuristani people. They were once called Kafiiri or Kafiristani languages.
• Kafir harp: This is a type of musical instrument, a harp, found in some parts of the Middle East.

In Botany

• Kaffir lime: This is a type of lime fruit that comes from Indonesia. It's also known as a makrut lime and is often used in cooking.
• Kaffir lily: This name refers to two different beautiful flowers found in southern Africa:
  • Clivia miniata
  • Hesperantha coccinea

Other Uses

• Sunbeam Kaffir: This was the name of an engine made by the Sunbeam Motor Car Company.
• Kefir: This is a fermented milk drink. It's similar to yogurt and comes from the Caucasus region, which is between Europe and Asia.