‖Mkhulu, noun

/(ə)mˈkʊːlʊ/
Forms:
Also with small initial.
Plurals:
abakhulu.
Origin:
In the Nguni languages, a term of respect, being the vocative case of umkhulu, ‘one of rank’, ‘old one’, ‘great one’.
Especially among speakers of the Nguni languages: a respectful form of address or reference to a man more powerful than oneself.
1961 T. Matshikiza Choc. for my Wife 103‘Where is your rag?’ the warder asked me. ‘I got there late, Mkhulu, big chief.’...‘How are you, Fana Wami (my son)?’...‘Yes, Mkhulu, yes my father.’
1978 M. Matshoba in Staffrider Vol.1 No.2, 11The dignity of old age overcame some of the visitors’ bragadocio. ‘It is abakhulu (the big ones) who have sent us, magogo.’
1980 C. Nkosi in M. Mutloatse Forced Landing 10‘Ho, ho, you boys do not know anything. Ask this one,’ he said pointing at his chest. ‘You say so Mkhulu?’
1993 Sowetan 22 Jan. 8 (cartoon)‘Do you think we are only saving for Christmas?’ ‘You are right, mkhulu. Most of us here want to save for the future.’
a respectful form of address or reference to a man more powerful than oneself.
Entry Navigation

Visualise Quotations

Quotation summary

Senses

19611993

Browse Related Words

By Category

Titles and Modes of Address
mkhaya, nounn.mlungu, umlungu, nounn. & adjectiveadj.
Copyright © 2023 Dictionary Unit for South African English.