A type of fruit, commonly referring to watermelon.

Origin: The word 'بَطِّيخ' originates from Arabic, where it refers specifically to the fruit watermelon. The term has Semitic roots, with cognates found in other Semitic languages such as Hebrew (אבטיח - 'avatiah').
Historical and Cultural Context: The first attestations of 'بَطِّيخ' can be traced back to medieval Arabic texts, where it was used to describe a variety of melons and gourds. It reflects the agricultural practices and dietary preferences in the Middle Eastern regions.
Evolution: Over time, 'بَطِّيخ' has maintained its primary meaning but has been borrowed into other languages like Turkish (badeh) and Persian (hendevaneh), often referring to watermelons or similar fruits.
Modern Relevance: Today, 'بَطِّيخ' is commonly used across Arabic-speaking countries to refer to watermelons. It is also part of expressions, such as 'بَطِّيخ صيفي' (batikh saifi), which means 'summer melon', highlighting its seasonal consumption.

In Arabic-speaking cultures, watermelon is often enjoyed as a refreshing treat during hot summer months, and it is sometimes served with feta cheese for a sweet and savory combination.