ọbọ
The Yoruba word for monkey is ọbọ.
ọbọ is the noun used to refer to a monkey, which is a type of primate.
Meaning: primate (noun)
Did you know?
- While ọbọ refers to the animal, calling a person ọbọ can be a sharp insult implying they are mischievous or lacking dignity.
- The word ọbọ is closely related to the word ebọk in Ibibio, a language spoken in Nigeria.
- In Yoruba folklore, monkeys are often portrayed as clever, trickster characters, much like the way they are depicted in Western fables.
Example conversation
Olumide and Morenike are visiting a zoo.
- OlumideMorenike, wo ọbọ yẹn!Morenike, look at that monkey!
- MorenikeÓ yanran gan!It is very playful!
- OlumideṢé o mọ bí ọbọ ṣe rìn?Do you know how a monkey walks?
- MorenikeBẹ́ẹ̀ ni, ó máa ń gun igi.Yes, it climbs trees.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ọbọ, CC BY-SA 4.0.
