Shangaan

English

Etymology

From the name of Soshangani, the leader of the Revolt against Chaka Zulu, who fled to Zimbabwe. Alternatively from Zulu: shangane: a wanderer.

Proper noun

Shangaan

1. An African tribe or clan or nation.
2. The language of the Shangaan.

Noun

Shangaan (plural Shangani or Shangans)

1. A member of this tribe.

Usage notes

Shang is a sub standard spelling of the plural. Shangani is the preferred plural. Shangans is an alternative accepted plural.

References

• Branford, Jean (ed.), 1976, A Dictionary of South African English.