ọlọ́lá
The Yoruba phrase for big man is ọlọ́lá.
ọlọ́lá describes someone of high social status, significant wealth or great influence.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of ọlọ́, meaning owner of wealth or property and ọlá, meaning honor or nobility.
Which one should you use?
Alagbara is used to describe someone who is powerful, influential or of significant importance. In an informal context, Egbon can be used to refer to an older brother, someone older than you or to address someone informally as a 'Big Man'.
Did you know?
- In Yoruba culture, the concept of ọlá (nobility) is not just about money but is deeply tied to 'character' and the ability to maintain harmony within a community.
- Using Egbon to address a 'big man' is a strategic way to show respect through familiarity rather than through distance.
- The word ọlá is also used in names, and a person named after nobility is expected to embody the qualities of an ọlọ́lá regardless of their actual bank balance.
Examples in context
- Oga miMy boss or Sir
- Kilonshele, Bobo?What's up, Big Man?
- Ọlọ́lá ni wọ́n mọ̀ ẹ́.They know you as a big man.
- Ó jẹ́ ọlọ́lá nínú ìlú.He is a big man in the city.
- Wọ́n fẹ́ràn ọlọ́lá náà.They like the big man.
Example conversation
Yejide and Olumide are talking about a wealthy neighbor.
- YejideṢé o mọ ẹni tí ó gbé níbẹ̀?Do you know who lives there?
- OlumideBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ọlọ́lá kan ni.Yes, he is a big man.
- YejideÓ ní ilé ńlá gan-an.He has a very big house.
- OlumideÀmì ọlọ́lá ni ìyẹn.That is a sign of a big man.
