spanspek S. Afr.
(ˈspænspɛk)
Also spanspec, sponspe(c)k.
[ad. Afrikaans spaanspek sweet melon, f. Du. Spaans(ch)e Spanish + spek bacon.]
= cantaloup.
| [1731 G. Medley tr. Kolb's Descr. Cape Good Hope II. 277 Melo Hispanicus. i.e. The Spanish or Musk-Melon. The Musk Melons, produc'd at the Cape, are as good as those produc'd in Spain. The Cape-Europeans call 'em Spanish Bacon.] 1886 G. A. Farini Through Kalahari Desert v. 61 Mr. Barlett came and asked if I would like to buy any musk-melons (spanspeck). 1913 J. J. Doke Secret City 78 The ground was cumbered by watermelons and spanspeks. 1951 R. Campbell Light on Dark Horse iv. 70 The district is..scarcely excelled for the size and succulence of its..spanspec, watermelons, strawberries, [etc.]. 1958 Cape Times 12 Dec. 11/4 The always-popular sweet melon—spanspek—is not expected in quantities till the New Year. 1971 Fair Lady 10 Nov. 111 Baked egg custard/or Medium slice sponspek melon. 1975 Cape Times 13 Jan. 2 A Paarl spanspek exporter said in an interview at the weekend that these prices..were paid only at the beginning of the season. |