How Do You Spell MAU MAU?

Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ʊ mˈa͡ʊ] (IPA)

Correct spelling for the English word "mau mau" is [mˈa͡ʊ mˈa͡ʊ], [mˈa‍ʊ mˈa‍ʊ], [m_ˈaʊ m_ˈaʊ] (IPA phonetic alphabet).

MAU MAU Meaning and Definition

1. Mau Mau is a term that has multiple meanings and connotations, depending on the context in which it is used. Originally, Mau Mau referred to a secret society or rebel group composed primarily of Kikuyu people in Kenya during the 1950s. The movement aimed to overthrow British colonial rule and reclaim land that had been confiscated from them. The Mau Mau insurgency, characterized by guerrilla warfare and acts of violence, was a defining moment in Kenya's struggle for independence.

   In a broader sense, Mau Mau has also come to represent any resistance or revolt against oppression, particularly in Africa. It signifies a determination to challenge and subvert established authority, often through unconventional means. The Mau Mau uprising is often seen as an emblematic example of anti-colonial struggles across the continent, inspiring other liberation movements.

   Additionally, "mau mau" can be used as a slang term to describe reckless or unruly behavior. In this context, it denotes an individual's tendency to engage in wild or chaotic actions, often without concern for consequences or societal norms. This usage is more colloquial and is not directly related to the historical or political references of Mau Mau.

   Overall, Mau Mau is an intricate term that carries historical, political, and cultural significance, representing liberation movements, anti-colonial resistance, and rebellious behavior.

Etymology of MAU MAU

The term "Mau Mau" originated as a name given by the British colonial authorities to a rebel group in Kenya during the 1950s. The Mau Mau movement was an armed resistance against British colonial rule and land dispossession.

The etymology of the word itself is debated. Some sources suggest that "Mau Mau" was a result of a mispronunciation of the Kikuyu word "muingi muingi", which means "a lot of trouble" or "a lot of smoke". Others propose that it came from the Kikuyu verb "mauma", meaning "to oath" or "to vow". The rebels took an oath of allegiance to the cause, which might have influenced the naming.

It is essential to note that "Mau Mau" was initially used derogatorily by the British authorities and the media to refer to the movement.