katkop

katkop

English

Etymology

Afrikaans kat (“cat”) + kop (“head”), from its shape resembling a cat's head. Doublet of cathead.

Noun

katkop (plural katkops)

1. (South Africa) Part of a loaf of bread.
   • 1995, Nelson Mandela, A Long Walk to Freedom Vol 2: 1962-1994

     For supper, Coloured and Indian prisoners received a quarter loaf of bread (known as a katkop, that is, a cat's head, after the shape of the bread) and a slab of margarine.

   • 2008, A. S. Mopeli-Paulus, The world and the cattle (page 163)

     I was given a rail warrant for two days' third-class travel by train to Harrismith. I was also given two katkops. In my relief and gladness I handed them to a convict working in the office.

2. (South Africa) A snack consisting of part of a loaf of bread hollowed out and filled with French fries.