The spelling of the word "Rheeboc" is based on its pronunciation. The word is pronounced as /ri:ˈbɒk/, with the stress on the first syllable. In the IPA phonetic transcription, the "ee" sound is represented by the symbol /i:/, while the "o" sound is represented by /ɒ/. The silent "h" in the spelling indicates that the "e" in the first syllable is pronounced separately from the "r", as in many words with the letter combination "er". Overall, the spelling of "Rheeboc" accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word.
The word "Rheeboc" is derived from the Afrikaans word "rooibok", where "rooi" means red and "bok" means antelope or goat. "Rheeboc" is the Anglicized version of "rooibok" and is commonly used in English to refer to a South African antelope species called the "red hartebeest" (scientific name: Alcelaphus buselaphus caama). The red hartebeest has a reddish-brown coat, which is likely the reason behind the "rooibok" name.