‖kumbomvu, interjection
- Forms:
- Show more Also kobomvu, kubombu, ku bomvu.
- Origin:
- IsiXhosa, IsiZuluShow more IsiXhosa and isiZulu, subjectival concord ku it (is) + adjectival stem -bomvu red.
Among isiXhosa- and isiZulu-speakers: beware; look out; ‘danger’, a warning cry to signal danger (particularly the approach of police).
1985 D. Bikitsha in Sunday Times 15 Sept. 6A three pronged sharp whistle call meant the police were about. The cry ‘Ku Mbomvu’ [printed Ku Mbonvu] (it is red) meant an alarm whenever there was police presence in the area.
beware; look out; ‘danger’, a warning cry to signal danger (particularly the approach of police).
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