According to Google, "mumu" is a Nigerian Pidgin insult meaning "fool," "stupid," or "daft." Many Nigerians prefer "mumu" to other words indicating foolishness because its meaning is easily understood by all or most of the ethnic groups in the country.
Indeed, there is a similar word in the Twi language (in Ghana), but although it too can indicate daftness, it's more often used in a literal sense meaning "dumb" (unable to speak.) Of course, being physically unable to speak does not mean that one is necessarily stupid, so it is in the Nigerian sense that I want to use the word!
The word has come into my head because some of the people to whom the people of Ghana have entrusted the governance of the country speak and behave as if they regard those who gave them power -- and its commensurate privileges -- are both stupid and dumb. (And in this instance, I use 'dumb' in the American sense, which moves away from the literal to the figurative meaning, which reinforces the idea of total daftness.
It is such a great shame that people who hold high office in this country can be so unpatriotic as to advocate publicly that the laws passed in the Parliament of which some of them were Members, should be ignored. By that act, they have eased themselves (please pardon the expression!) on the Oath they swore as MPs, to serve Mother Ghana and rule her according to her laws.
Let a Ghanaian go and commit a serious offence in any country (not only in China!) and see whether he or she would be merely "deported" without first serving a prison sentence, if the offence attracts one.
Read also: "Sabi" Meaning Explained
One loud-mouthed official was heard on TV claiming that our prisons are "overcrowded" and therefore foreign criminals should not be sent there but be "deported" home instead.
The word "mumu" can also be used as a:
- Noun: Idiot or simpleton; A stupid person also known as beh beh, bobolee, bubu, bubulero, buggah, butu, cacahole, claffy, clamoon, cunumunu, duday, eediat, kinaki, logga head, lolo, pagalee, pagali, pankoot, poppit
- Noun: A mute; Someone who cannot speak
It is interesting that this is the same word used in Nigerian Pidgin English to mean "an idiot". Its origins need to be investigated.
Mumu could also possibly be derived from the French... Or could just be a play on of mor-mor-moron ..meaning an idiot.
In some contexts, "mumu" can also mean a dumb or stupid person.
Read also: Understanding Nigerian Slang: Idan
Nigerian Pidgin is a widely spoken language in Nigeria.
Here's a summary of the different meanings and origins of the word "Mumu":
| Language | Meaning | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Nigerian Pidgin | Fool, stupid, daft | Widely used in Nigeria |
| Twi (Ghana) | Dumb (unable to speak), stupid (figuratively) | Typical Ghanaian word |
| Creole | Dumb, unable to speak | Influenced by French and West African languages |
Here are some example usages of the word "Mumu" in Pidgin English:
- You Be "Mumu".
- Mumu - Dumb/ Stupid Person.. Often Used In "Pidgin English".
The word origin is Ghanaian. The word "emum" or "mumu" is a typical Ghanaian word. I am the one who gave the definition that it literally means a dumb or mute person and figuratively it is used to describe a very stupid individual on this platform on February 26, 2021. These two words are typical Twi or Akan words. I have seen that my definition has been ascribed as Nigerian origin and I want to set the record straight.
As can be inferred, from above explanations, 'mumu' is widely used in West Africa to refer to a mute individual. Such people are, wrongly, assumed to be unintelligent, simply because they are unable to speak. The word is then often used to refer to a stupid person, much like the word 'dumb' in English. Maybe derived from the sounds they make. Onomatopoeia?
Read also: "Ire": A Deep Dive into Yoruba Meaning
ORIGIN OF NIGERIAN PIDGIN ENGLISH (Apologies for mixing up Senegalese flag for Ghanian)
Popular articles:
tags: #Nigeria
