Busaa
/buːˈsɑː/noun
A traditional fermented alcoholic drink, especially one made from maize or millet in parts of Kenya.
Did you know?Busaa is commonly associated with Luhya communities in western Kenya, where traditional brewing and communal drinking have carried social and ceremonial significance.
Etymological Timeline
Precolonial period
Bantu languages
busaa
“A traditional fermented alcoholic beverage; the precise earliest form and root are uncertain.”
19th–20th Century
Luhya languages
busaa
“Locally brewed beer, often made from maize or millet.”
20th Century
Swahili
busaa
“A traditional beer or local alcoholic drink, borrowed or circulated through East African contact.”
20th Century
Kenyan English
busaa
“A traditional Kenyan beer, especially associated with western Kenya.”
Modern English
English
busaa
“An English loanword for a traditional fermented alcoholic drink of Kenya.”