Alapadupẹ
Yoruba
editEtymology
editFrom oní (“one who has”) + a- (“agent prefix”) + pa (“to kill”) + dúpẹ́ (“to thank”), literally “The one who kills and is then thanked”
Pronunciation
editProper noun
editAlápadúpẹ́
- (euphemistic) a euphemistic nickname for the deity of smallpox (Ṣànpọ̀nná). Because the disease was so widely feared it was forbidden for there to show any signs of affection, less they anger the deity who may inflict the disease on others.
Notes
edit- It was also believed that if one accused Ṣànpọ̀nná of committing murder (by lashing in anger upon the death of a someone with smallpox), it would incure the wrath of the deity, so it was encouraged that family members of those who were inflicted should thank Sanponna.