Boer
nounUK /bɔː/ · US /boɹ/
Etymology From Afrikaans Boer (“Boer”), from boer (“farmer”). Doublet of bauer, boor, and bower.
1
Historical A Dutch colonist in South Africa during the colonial era, especially a farmer.
2
A militant in the Boer War.
- The British soldiers captured a Boer after the battle.
3
Derogatory, Offensive An Afrikaner, especially a farmer.
- ‘I won't say good day to a fucking boer!’ he exploded, swinging round viciously to escape into the angry light outside.1979, André Brink, A Dry White Season, Vintage, published 1998, page 93:
- At least one of the scenes on the screen appeared to be the rallying cry of “Kill the Boer,” which U.S. officials and Afrikaner activists have cited as evidence that white South Africans are being persecuted. Boer means farmer in Dutch and Afrikaans.2025 May 21, Erica L. Green, Zolan Kanno-Youngs, “Trump Lectures South African President in Televised Oval Office Confrontation”, in The New York Times, →ISSN: