Pondo, noun
/ˈpɒndəʊ/
- Forms:
- Also Ponda, Mpondo /(ə)mˈpɔːndɔ/.
- Plurals:
- unchanged, Pondos, Pondoes, amamPondo, amamPondos, or amaPondo, amaPondos, occasionally Amaponda.
- Origin:
- IsiXhosaShow more IsiXhosa amaMpondo ‘the people of Mpondo’ (the founding chief); see also ama-.
1.
a. A member of an isiXhosa-speaking people of the Nguni group, from the northern half of the former Transkei (now part of the Eastern Province); Gonaqua sense 2; Mambookie; Mbo sense 1. Also attributive. See also Mpondomise.
b. comb.
1913 G.E. Cory Rise of S. Afr. II. 230A wave of bloodshed and destruction, which, beginning in far-away Zululand, spread in all directions until it reached Pondoland in the south, [etc.].
2. The form of isiXhosa spoken by the Pondo peoples.
1919 H.H. Johnston Comparative Study of Bantu & Semi-Bantu Lang. I. 298The [Xhosa] dialects include Feñgu, Baca and Pondω words.
1919 H.H. Johnston Comparative Study of Bantu & Semi-Bantu Lang. I. 797The divergent dialects of ?ōsa, such as Isi-pondω, Isi-ba¿a, Feñgu, &c.
3. A type of tobacco.
1941 C.W. De Kiewiet Hist. of S. Afr. 251Boer tobacco or the notorious ‘Pondo’ leaf which caused experienced smokers to blanch.
A member of an isiXhosa-speaking people of the Nguni group, from the northern half of the former Transkei (now part of the Eastern Province); Gonaqua sense 2; Mambookie; Mbo sense 1. Also attributive.
The form of isiXhosa spoken by the Pondo peoples.
A type of tobacco.
Copyright © 2023 Dictionary Unit for South African English.