xalam

Where does the word "xalam" come from? It comes from Wolof xalam, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).

Xalam’s story begins in Wolof: xalam meant “a West African plucked lute.” Blends xala ("to cast a spell") with the onomatopoeic kalam, echoing the instrument's thumping sound. It reached English by 1900s as xalam. Griots accompany songs of praise and history on the xalam. Today, xalam means a traditional West African plucked lute with one to five strings, associated with the Wolof people.

1. Stage 1 · Wolof · traditional xalam "a West African plucked lute", blends xala ("to cast a spell") with the onomatopoeic kalam, echoing the instrument's thumping sound.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1900s xalam "a traditional West African stringed lute", griots accompany songs of praise and history on the xalam.