BOMBAY DUCK Meaning and
Definition
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Bombay duck is a noun that refers to a type of fish found primarily in the Indian Ocean, specifically in the coastal regions of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. The term "Bombay duck" is a common name given to this fish, and it is also known by its scientific name Harpadon nehereus.
The fish itself is a slender-bodied species with a soft and delicate texture. It typically grows to a length of around 25 to 35 centimeters. The Bombay duck is known for its distinctive taste and aroma, which has earned it a reputation as a delicacy in Indian cuisine.
Due to its fragile nature, the fish is often dried and salted, or sometimes sun-dried, before being consumed. This preservation process enhances the flavor and extends the shelf life of the fish. In its dried form, it becomes a popular ingredient in various dishes, such as curries, chutneys, and pickles, adding a unique and pungent flavor.
The name "Bombay duck" is said to have originated during the British Colonial era in India when the smell of the dried fish being transported to Bombay (now known as Mumbai) was compared to the odor of rotting fabric. Despite its strong smell, the fish has remained a beloved and sought-after culinary ingredient in Indian cuisine for generations.
Common Misspellings for BOMBAY DUCK
- vombay duck
- nombay duck
- hombay duck
- gombay duck
- bimbay duck
- bkmbay duck
- blmbay duck
- bpmbay duck
- b0mbay duck
- b9mbay duck
- bonbay duck
- bokbay duck
- bojbay duck
- bomvay duck
- bomnay duck
- bomhay duck
- bomgay duck
- bombzy duck
- bombsy duck
- bombwy duck
Etymology of BOMBAY DUCK
The word "Bombay duck" has an interesting etymology. is derived from the name of a fish called "Bomilai", also known as "Bombil", in the Konkani language. Konkani is spoken in the western coastal region of India, particularly in the state of Goa and parts of Maharashtra.
The term "Bombay duck" originated during the British colonial period in India. The fish, with its pungent and distinctive odor, was typically dried and transported over long distances, including by train, from Mumbai (previously known as Bombay) to other parts of the country. The smell of the dried fish was so strong and unique that it would permeate the air in the train compartments, earning it the name "Bombay duck" by the British, who were reminded of the smell of gunpowder.
Despite its name, the Bombay duck is not a duck nor is it from Bombay alone.
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