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Buba

2 stages from Yoruba to English.

Today it means a loose-fitting blouse or tunic worn as part of traditional West African dress

Where does the word "buba" come from? It comes from Yoruba bùbá, adopted directly into English (1937).

1
Stage 1 of 2
bùbá
Yoruba · traditional
"a loose blouse or tunic"
named the loose, wide-sleeved blouse worn as part of traditional dress
2
Stage 2 of 2
buba
English · 1937
"a loose-fitting blouse or top"
entered English print describing West African dress
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