Fenny

Fenny is a term that may refer to more than one distinct thing, rather than a single topic. In onomastics, it is used as a given name or nickname in various cultures, and it is occasionally found as a surname. In many cases it acts as a diminutive form of longer names or as a standalone feminine name, with usage reported in South and Southeast Asia as well as in European communities.

The most widely known use outside of personal names is a variant spelling of feni, a traditional Goan spirit. Feni is a distilled liquor made from either cashew apples or coconut sap. Cashew feni is amber-colored and carries fruity, tangy notes; coconut feni tends to be lighter with a coconut-forward aroma. Production involves fermentation of the base fruit or sap, followed by distillation; it is typically sold locally in Goa and neighboring regions, and has historical roots dating to Portuguese influence in western India. The beverage holds cultural significance and is protected under local regulations to some extent.

Other uses of Fenny may include place names or family names in certain regions, though these are uncommon. The term should be distinguished from feni, which is the standard spelling for the Goan liquor.

See also: Feni.