Afrikaans edit

Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

Compound of ou +‎ nooi.

Pronunciation edit

Noun edit

ounooi (plural ounooiens)

  1. (historical) the wife of the baas, lady of the house; in particular used as a title of address by employees and servants.
    • before 1965, Gottfried H. Franz, "Die bekentenis", Verhale van Hananwa, Afrikaanse Pers-Boekhandel (published posthumously), page 23.
      Ek was by baas Martien en die ounooi was Hester.
      I was working for master Martien and the lady of the household was Hester.
  2. old lady
  3. female owner of a pet, mistress