lobola

Where does the word "lobola" come from? It comes from Zulu ukulobola, and was adopted directly into English (1897).

Lobola’s story begins in Zulu: ukulobola meant “to give the bride price.” Described the customary transfer of cattle or goods to a bride's family. It reached English by 1897 as lobola. Traditionally paid in cattle, though cash is now common. Today, lobola means a bride price or dowry paid by a groom's family to the bride's family, in southern African custom.

1. Stage 1 · Zulu · 1800s ukulobola "to give the bride price", described the customary transfer of cattle or goods to a bride's family.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1897 lobola "the bride price paid by a groom's family", traditionally paid in cattle, though cash is now common.