ìdí
The Yoruba word for bum is ìdí.
ìdí is a polysemous term used to refer to the base of an object, the bottom of a person or the buttocks.
Meaning: informal: butt(ocks) specifically (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ìdí means the base, bottom or foundation of something.
Did you know?
- In Yoruba, the concept of 'bottom' is deeply tied to the idea of a starting point or a root, which is why ìdí can also refer to the source of an idea.
- Because ìdí refers to the foundation of things, it can be used in many more polite contexts than the English word 'bum' or 'butt'.
- The word ìdí is so versatile that it can describe the 'bottom' of a person, the base of a mountain, or the foundation of a house without needing different words.
Examples in context
- Mo rí ìdí rẹ̀.I saw her butt.
Example conversation
Tunde and Titi are laughing together at home.
- TundeTiti, ìdí rẹ tó bọ̀ nìyí?Titi, is this how your bum looks?
- TitiTunde, dákẹ́ rárá!Tunde, keep quiet!
- TundeMo kàn ń sọ̀rọ̀ nípa ìdí rẹ ni.I'm just talking about your bum.
- TitiÓ yá, lọ kẹ́rẹ́!Go away now!
