Wits, noun

Origin:
Abbreviation of Witwatersrand, see rand sense 2.
In full Wits University: the University of the Witwatersrand, which is situated in Johannesburg; sometimes treated as plural, a sports team or other group representing the university. Also attributive.
1927 Star 30 May 14Intervarsity Rugby...Wits Wins Stirring Game.
1939 R. Dickie-Clarke in Outspan 27 Oct. 49That little lawn in front of Men’s Residence at ‘Wits’ is a place for crazy ideas.
1944 H.C. Bosman in L. Abrahams Cask of Jerepigo (1972) 112Then there is Wits. I was a student at the Witwatersrand University in the early days.
1971 Evening Post 3 Nov. 1There are indications that Wits students are planning a mass protest meeting on the campus.
1972 Cape Times 26 July 1There is still a possibility that Wits and Tuks will meet in other sports.
1978 Darling 13 Sept. 102The flat is within walking distance of Wits University.
1986 Style Dec. 41Maties consider themselves a little left of Wits.
1992 Natal Mercury 25 Nov. 23Wits University virtually assured themselves of fourth spot when they drew..with Cape Town Spurs in their..soccer match.
1993 R. Charlton in Sunday Times 10 Oct. 20South African universities like Wits have developed an international standing.
1994 M. Mbatha in Sunday Times 9 Jan. 18Wits has developed good programmes specifically tailored for mining.
In full Wits University:the University of the Witwatersrand, which is situated in Johannesburg; sometimes treated as plural, a sports team or other group representing the university. Also attributive.
Derivatives:
Hence Witsie  /ˈvətsi/, /ˈvɪtsi/ noun [English (informal) noun-forming suffix -ie], a student or alumnus of this University.
1981 Rand Daily Mail 18 June (Eve Suppl.) 2The trip was organised..by..an ex-Witsie.
1987 [see Ikey].
Entry Navigation

Visualise Quotations

Quotation summary

Senses

19271994

Derivatives