‖maye, interjection

/ˈmaːˈyeː/
Forms:
Also mai, my.
Origin:
IsiZuluShow more IsiZulu, interjection expressing grief, dismay, terror.
Often in the phrase maye babo /-ˈbaːbɔ/ [IsiZulu babo interjection expressing grief, surprise, pleasure], a cry of distress or pain.
Note:
Usually included by writers to suggest Zulu speech.
1907 J.P. Fitzpatrick Jock of Bushveld 332The victim flapped his hands on the ground and hallooed out ‘My babo! My babo!’ but he did not struggle.
1909 N. Paul Child in Midst 53The Kafir..kept on ejaculating: ‘Ubi! Ubi! Ubi! Maye-ba-bo!’ as he followed the horse cautiously into the stable yard.
1923 G.H. Nicholls Bayete! 125A terrific burst shook the hut and loosened their tongues. ‘Maye! maye! maye! the chief is angry to-night. Why does he afflict us?’ they cried in terror.
1923 G.H. Nicholls Bayete!Glossary, Maye Babo! ‘Alas, my fathers.’ The usual wail at a funeral.
c1948 H. Tracey Lalela Zulu 64The correct way of writing ‘Mai Mai’ is ‘Mayemaye!’ a cry of grief and pain.
Often in the phrase maye babo, a cry of distress or pain.
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19071948
mawo, interjectionint.Mayibuye, verb intransitivev.
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