duiker
UK[ˈdaɪkə]US[ˈdaɪkər]
n
A small African antelope with a stocky body, short legs, and typically a crest of long hair between the horns.
Etymology
The word 'duiker' entered English in the late 18th century from Afrikaans, the language of Dutch settlers in southern Africa. It is a direct reference to the animal's characteristic behavior of diving into dense thickets to escape predators. The Afrikaans term originates from the Middle Dutch 'duken,' meaning "to dive" or "to bend down," which is related to the Old English 'dūcan,' sharing a common Germanic root. Thus, the name of this antelope is a simple, descriptive metaphor based on its evasive diving motion.
Analysis
This word is a direct borrowing from Afrikaans, where it means "diver" or "ducker." The Afrikaans word itself is derived from the Dutch verb 'duiken,' meaning "to dive."
Examples
The common duiker is a widespread species found in savannas and woodlands across sub-Saharan Africa.
We spotted a shy grey duiker disappearing into the undergrowth.
Duikers are primarily browsers, feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits, and seeds.