tsotsi
English
Etymology
Origin uncertain. Compare (deprecated template usage) [etyl] Shona tsotsi (“criminal”)
Pronunciation
- Lua error in Module:parameters at line 290: Parameter 1 should be a valid language or etymology language code; the value "UK" is not valid. See WT:LOL and WT:LOL/E. IPA(key): /ˈtsɒtsi/
Noun
tsotsi (plural tsotsis)
- (South Africa) A hoodlum or street thug, especially one from the townships; a township skollie.
- 1979, André Brink, A Dry White Season, Vintage 1998, p. 39:
- A gang of tsotsis – hooligans – attacked a group of older men, and when the owner tried to throw them out they ran amok in the place, smashing everything in their way.
- 1994, Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, Abacus 2010, p. 88:
- Gangsters – known as tsotsis – carrying flick-knives or switchblades were plentiful and prominent [...].
- 2006 Cape Times, 17 Mar 2006:
- Mandela, standing up for all the tsotsis out there, said: "Don't dismiss any youngsters who are not behaving according to your wishes."
- 1979, André Brink, A Dry White Season, Vintage 1998, p. 39:
Derived terms
Shona
Noun
5 class ?