What is a Bombay Duck?

[njg1225]

What is a bombay duck???????

[Rabelais]

Bombay duck is an air dried or sun dried marine lizardfish, Harpodon nehereus used in Indian cuisine.

[njg1225]

So why is it called a duck?

[Quizmonster]

The original meaning of 'Bombay Duck' was a soldier in the local regiment. It then became attached to the dried fish somehow, because Bombay was the main port from which they were exported. Just 'one of those things', in other words, rather than something with a definite reason.

(You're really having problems with the 'Bournemouth Echo' MegaQuiz, aren't you, Njg? You'll need to get a move on...today's the closing-date!)

[njg1225]

No worries - I emailed it Sunday night - just got there in time!!!!

[Quizmonster]

When the winners' names are published, I'll be looking carefully to see whether one of them is called Norman Jonathan Grayson or Nellie Jean Gordon!

[incitatus]

just to muddy the waters....my grans cookbook calls it bombay dakh......