náátsʼǫ́ʼoołdísii

Navajo

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /nɑ́ːt͡sʼṍʔòːɬtɪ́sìː/

Noun

náátsʼǫ́ʼoołdísii

1. dust devil, whirlwind

   Níléíjí náátsʼǫ́ʼoołdísii yigááł. ― There’s a dust devil traveling over there.

Usage notes

Some traditional people believe that a náátsʼǫ́ʼoołdísii is actually the chʼį́įdii (evil spirit) of Yéʼiitsoh, the Giant, who has come back to kill Naayééʼ Neizghání. They consider it taboo to throw anything at a dust devil or to walk through one.