‖inja, noun

/ˈiːndʒa/
Forms:
ainga, inchaShow more Also ainga, incha, inJa, injah.
Plurals:
zinja.
Origin:
In the Nguni languages, inja (plural izinja).
1. rare. A dog.
1833 S. Kay Trav. & Researches 134On these occasions, the inja, (dog,) although of the most wretched description, appears to render essential service.
1834 Makanna (anon.) III. 183One relic was..left behind, in the shape of ‘a little yellow “inja” (hound) of a Bosjesman’.
[1861 J.W. Colenso Zulu-Eng. Dict. p.vThe Zulu for dog is commonly spelt inja.]
2. Used of human beings.
a. obsolete. A term of praise used by a chief of a loyal subject.
1855 J.W. Colenso Ten Weeks in Natal 52With the Kafir, every one is either inKose (chief) or inJa (dog); and many, who think they ought all to be placed on terms of perfect equality, cannot brook that others should receive this distinguishing honour, rather than themselves.
1861 E. Casalis Basutos 177The word incha (dog) has two meanings, diametrically opposed to one another in the metaphorical language of these tribes. To call a man ‘a dog’ would be the most unpardonable insult; but a chief will say of one of his subordinates, ‘That man is my dog!’ and the appellation will be received with a smile of assent by the person on whom it is bestowed.
1913 C. Pettman Africanderisms 226Inja,..As employed..by a chief of any of his indunas or people it is regarded as a compliment, indicating loyalty and fidelity.
b. derogatory. A term of contempt.
1861 [see sense 2 a].
1911 P. Gibbon Margaret Harding 118‘Voetzaak,’ she ordered shrilly. ‘Hamba wena – ch’che! Skellum! Injah! Voetzaak.’
1972 Drum 8 Apr. 20They ordered drinks and started calling us zinja. They said we were slumbanes and they wanted to nyusa us.
A dog.
A term of praise used by a chief of a loyal subject.
A term of contempt.
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18331972

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rare or nonce
obsolete or obsolescent
initiation school, noun phrasen. phr.Inkanyamba, nounn.
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