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Matatu

2 stages from Swahili to English.

Today it means a privately owned minibus used as a shared taxi, especially in Kenya

Where does the word "matatu" come from? It comes from Swahili tatu, adopted directly into English (1970s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
tatu
Swahili · 1960s
"three"
named for the flat fare, originally three shillings, charged for a ride
2
Stage 2 of 2
matatu
English · 1970s
"a shared minibus taxi"
adopted into Kenyan English for privately run minibus taxis
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