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Shongololo

2 stages from Zulu to English.

Today it means a large African millipede that rolls into a coil when disturbed

Where does the word "shongololo" come from? It comes from Zulu ishongololo, adopted directly into English (1900s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
ishongololo
Zulu · ancient
"millipede"
from ukushonga, 'to roll up', describing how the creature coils when disturbed
2
Stage 2 of 2
shongololo
English · 1900s
"a large African millipede"
adopted into South African English
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