‖Mkhulu, noun
- 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.’
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.
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