tyhini, interjection

Forms:
Also hienie, tshini.
Origin:
IsiXhosa.
Among isiXhosa-speakers: an exclamation of surprise, disbelief, shock, dismay, or indignation.
1979 F. Dike First S. African 13Hayi tyhini, we can’t let him get away with this.
1981 Job Mava (Ikhwezi Players) in Staffrider Vol.3 No.4, 23Zizamele: Tyhini Tixo. Weren’t you insured? Job: No. I trusted to luck.
1982 E. Prov. Herald 29 Apr. 13The poor lad rushed to safety with cries of Ai, ai...Yoo...Kwakhu! and Tyhini!
1983 Pace Oct. 174Tshini Mfondini! a woman screamed. Another woman broke in...‘au, au, au, Thixo!’
1986 [see inkosikazi sense 2].
an exclamation of surprise, disbelief, shock, dismay, or indignation.
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19791983