White Hmong edit

Etymology edit

This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “Considered native Hmongic by Ratliff.[1] That said, the "khaub" may be borrowed from Chinese (jiǎ, “shell, armor”), and the "ncaws" perhaps from (zhuāng, “outfit, clothing”).

The "menstruation" meaning is most likely derived from the "clothes" meaning, but how so? Perhaps a euphemistic cultural term regarding coming of age + marriage rituals?”

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /kʰau̯˥.ᶮɟaɨ̯˩/

Noun edit

khaub ncaws

  1. clothing, clothes, dress
    hnav khaub ncawsto wear clothing, to dress
  2. used in coj khaub ncaws (to menstruate)

References edit

  • Heimbach, Ernest E. (1979) White Hmong — English Dictionary[1], SEAP Publications, →ISBN, page 94.