mau mau: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical, political, potentially offensive if used loosely.
Quick answer
What does “mau mau” mean?
A Kenyan anti-colonial rebel movement active in the 1950s, also used to refer to its members.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Kenyan anti-colonial rebel movement active in the 1950s, also used to refer to its members.
By extension, can refer to any person or group engaging in violent rebellion or guerrilla tactics, though this usage is dated and context-specific. As a verb (rare), to attack violently or rebel in a manner reminiscent of the Mau Mau.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More likely to be encountered in British historical/political discourse due to the UK's direct colonial involvement. In American English, it is primarily a historical reference.
Connotations
Carries strong historical and violent connotations related to the Kenyan Emergency. Can be offensive if used to label modern groups.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both varieties, limited to specific historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mau mau” in a Sentence
The [noun: government/forces] fought against the Mau Mau.He was accused of being a Mau Mau.They mau-maued the settlers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mau mau” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The protesters were accused of trying to mau-mau the council into submission.
American English
- The tactic was to mau-mau the opposition with relentless pressure.
adjective
British English
- The Mau Mau war reshaped Kenyan politics.
American English
- He researched Mau Mau ideology for his thesis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in historical, political science, and African studies contexts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Specific term in historiography.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mau mau”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mau mau”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mau mau”
- Using 'Mau Mau' as a common noun for any rebel.
- Misspelling as 'Mow Mow' or 'Maow Maow'.
- Using the verb form ('to mau-mau') without understanding its controversial and dated nature.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, especially if used loosely or pejoratively outside its specific historical context. Within Kenya, views on the term vary, with some seeing it as a term of pride for freedom fighters and others as a colonial label.
Yes, but rarely. The verb 'to mau-mau' (meaning to intimidate or bully) emerged in American English in the late 20th century but is now dated and can be seen as insensitive due to its derivation.
The origin of the name is uncertain. It is not a Kikuyu word. It may be an anagram of 'Uma Uma' (meaning 'get out, get out') or a name given by the colonial authorities.
When used as a noun or adjective referring to the historical group, it is typically written without a hyphen: 'Mau Mau'. The verb form is hyphenated: 'to mau-mau'.
A Kenyan anti-colonial rebel movement active in the 1950s, also used to refer to its members.
Mau mau is usually historical, political, potentially offensive if used loosely. in register.
Mau mau: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊ ˈmaʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmaʊ ˈmaʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(to) mau-mau (someone) - to intimidate or bully through aggressive confrontation (dated, chiefly US).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MAU MAU: Men Arising Up, against colonial MAstery and MAUder (rule).
Conceptual Metaphor
REBELLION IS A FOREST FIRE (dense, hidden, consuming).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most appropriate context for using the term 'Mau Mau'?