ɔbayifoɔ
The Twi word for witch is ɔbayifoɔ.
This noun refers to a person who uses magic.
Meaning: person who uses magic (noun)
Did you know?
- The concept of the ɔbayifoɔ is often linked to 'night travel'. It is believed that a witch's spirit leaves their body at night to commit acts of magic while the physical body remains asleep.
- In Akan culture, being called an ɔbayifoɔ is a grave social accusation that can lead to legal battles or social ostracization. It is not used lightly as a fictional descriptor like 'witch' is often used in English.
- The word ɔbayifoɔ is actually gender-neutral and can be used to describe a male practitioner of magic as well as a female.
Examples in context
- Ɔbayifoɔ no bɛba.The witch will come.
- Sɛ ɔbayifoɔ nni hɔ a, yɛ mfom.If there is no witch, we will be safe.
Example conversation
Yaw and Afia are discussing a mysterious person in the village.
- YawYaw, wuhu ɔbayifoɔ no?Yaw, did you see the witch?
- AfiaDabi, Afia, me nnyɛ nka.No, Afia, I don't think so.
- YawƆbayifoɔ no hyiaa me anɔpa yi.The witch met me this morning.
- AfiaYɛnnyɛ adwuma ho kwan kwan.Let's not dwell on it.
