ọmọale
The Yoruba word for bastard is ọmọale.
The term ọmọale is a noun used to describe a person who is considered contemptible.
Meaning: contemptible etc. person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This word is a compound of ọmọ (child) and ale (illegitimacy/adultery).
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, the concept of 'bastardy' is viewed differently than in Western traditions because the polygamous nature of traditional society often blurred the lines of legitimacy.
- In some Yoruba-speaking contexts, the term is used less to describe a person's birth and more to describe someone whose character is inherently 'untrustworthy' or 'wicked'.
- Calling someone ọmọale can be seen as an attack on the mother's character specifically, as it highlights the 'adultery' aspect of the word's origin.
Examples in context
- Ọmọale náà kò ní ìwà rere.That bastard has no good character.
- Má ṣe jẹ́ kí ọmọale náà bẹ́ ẹ.Do not let that contemptible person provoke you.
Example conversation
Olumide tells Titi that someone stole his phone.
- OlumideTiti, ẹnikan jí foon mi lọ.Titi, someone stole my phone.
- TitiTani ó ṣe èyí?Who did this?
- OlumideỌmọale kan ni ó jí i lọ.Some bastard stole it.
- TitiÓ burú gan.That is very bad.
