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Where does the word "fundi" come from? It comes from Swahili fundi, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).
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Where does the word "fundi" come from? It comes from Swahili fundi, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).
Fundi’s story begins in Swahili: fundi meant “a skilled craftsman or expert.” From kufunda, 'to learn', reflecting skill gained through training. It reached English by 1900s as fundi. Swahili for a craftsman or expert, from 'kufunda', to teach. Today, fundi means an expert or skilled person, especially a craftsman, mechanic, or specialist.
- Stage 1 · Swahili · 1800s fundi "a skilled craftsman or expert", from kufunda, 'to learn', reflecting skill gained through training.
- Stage 2 · English · 1900s fundi "an expert or skilled specialist", Swahili for a craftsman or expert, from 'kufunda', to teach.