Zim-Zim, noun and & adjective
/ˈzɪmzɪm/
- Origin:
- Unknown; perhaps from the pronunciation of -sm in Azasm, but see quotation 1990.
- Note:
- For note on reduplication in South African English, see now-now.
A. noun
1. An adherent of the philosophy of Black Consciousness. Also attributive.
1990 R. Malan My Traitor’s Heart 258In Soweto, youngsters who said Biko were dubbed Zim-zims, in honour of all the -isms in their ideological arsenal. Dhlamini 1 became a Zim-zim stronghold.
2. The name of a vigilante group.
1991 P. Garson in Weekly Mail 20 Dec. (Suppl.) 11The Zim-Zims — not Azapo or PAC-supporting youths as the name suggests, but who are mostly the sons of businessmen — were formed into a vigilante gang earlier this year to protect those whose enterprises were the target of boycotts by the community.
B. adjective Supportive of Black Consciousness.
1989 Informant, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-NatalThey’ve accused SACHED in Maritzburg of being Zim-Zim, you know, Black Consciousness.
An adherent of the philosophy of Black Consciousness. Also attributive.
The name of a vigilante group.
Supportive of Black Consciousness.
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