Definition of mealie

The word "mealie" originates from the Northern Sotho and Tswana languages of Southern Africa. In these languages, "meal" is pronounced "mehl" or "mehlie" and refers to a dish made from dried corn kernels that have been ground into a fine meal. The English word "mealie" is a direct borrowing from the original African word and entered the English language through the Afrikaans language, which evolved through Dutch settlers in the region. The Dutch word for cornmeal is "maisel" (from the Portuguese "melhuça") and in Afrikaans, this became "meelie" due to the linguistic influence of the African languages in the region. In South Africa, where the word is still commonly used, mealies (also known as maize) are a staple food item and are used to make a variety of dishes, such as porridge, bread, and pap (a dish that is similar to mouille in West Africa or itake in Central and South America). The etymology of the English word "mealie" also has cultural and historical significance, as it provides a reminder of the legacy of European colonialism in Africa and the linguistic convergence that resulted from cross-cultural interactions.