mao shan wang

English

Etymology

From Malay musang (“civet cat”), via Chinese 貓山王.

Pronunciation

(Singapore) IPA^(key): /ˈmaʊ ʃʌn wʌŋ/

Noun

mao shan wang

(Singapore, Malaysia) A premium variety of durian, characterized by its bright yellow flesh, bittersweet taste and creamy texture.
- 2008, July 13, Rebecca Lynn Tan, How to pick a durian, The Straits Times, page 4
  To make sure a seller isn't passing off a lesser durian as a Mao Shan Wang, look for prominent seams radiating from the base of the durian.
- 2008, 5 September, Tan Hsueh Yun, PURR-FECTLY YUMMY, The Straits Times, page 21
  Prized for its bright yellow, bittersweet flesh, Mao Shan Wang was a best-selling durian this year.
- 2009, Marianne Rogerson, In Singapore: 60 Fabulous Adventures in the City, Times Printers Pte Ltd, page 157
  There are several different types of durian, with names such as Mao Shan Wang (Cat Mountain King), Hong Xia (Red Prawn), Mon Thong (Golden Pillow), or simple numbers such as D24, D1, D13 and D100.
- 2010, 1 August, Kelvin Lim, The Durian Express, The Sunday Times, page 10
  The coveted Mao Shan Wang, or Cat Mountain King, is a premium breed known for its creamy and sticky texture and bittersweet taste.
- 2016, 30 August, Melissa Lin, Durian prices up as harvest peak ends, The Straits Times, page B4
  A popular variety like Mao Shan Wang (Musang King), which sold for as little as $12 per kg earlier this month, now costs at least $16 a kg.
- 2017, 9 July, Lee Si Xuan, Durian Doldrums, The Sunday Times, page A4
  Mr Shui, who has been in the business for more than 30 years, brings in about 10 durian varieties from both Johor and Penang – including the highly sought-after Mao Shan Wang.

Synonyms

cat mountain king
musang king
civet king
butter durian
rajah kunyit

Translations

Chinese:
Mandarin: 貓山王, 猫山王 (māoshānwáng)

Usage notes

Used in spoken and written colloquial Singapore English.