Africanism
/ˌæf.rɪˈkæn.ɪ.zəm/noun
A word, phrase, or feature characteristic of African languages, cultures, or people.
Did you know?Africanism is a modern English formation built from African + -ism, and its power comes from naming a shared cultural or linguistic trait rather than any hidden occult origin.
Etymological Timeline
Late 16th Century
Latin
Africānus
“Of Africa; African.”
17th Century
English
African
“A person or thing from Africa.”
17th Century
English
-ism
“A noun-forming suffix indicating a doctrine, practice, characteristic, or condition.”
19th Century
English
Africanism
“A characteristic feature of African speech, culture, or life.”
Modern English
English
Africanism
“A word, phrase, or trait associated with African languages, cultures, or peoples.”
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