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Where does the word "buba" come from? It comes from Yoruba bùbá, and was adopted directly into English (1937).
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Where does the word "buba" come from? It comes from Yoruba bùbá, and was adopted directly into English (1937).
Buba’s story begins in Yoruba: bùbá meant “a loose blouse or tunic.” Named the loose, wide-sleeved blouse worn as part of traditional dress. It reached English by 1937 as buba. Entered English print describing West African dress. Today, buba means a loose-fitting blouse or tunic worn as part of traditional West African dress.
- Stage 1 · Yoruba · traditional bùbá "a loose blouse or tunic", named the loose, wide-sleeved blouse worn as part of traditional dress.
- Stage 2 · English · 1937 buba "a loose-fitting blouse or top", entered English print describing West African dress.