mtshana, noun

/(ə)mˈtʃaːna/
Forms:
Also mchana, mshana.
Origin:
IsiXhosa, isiZuluShow more IsiXhosa mtshana vocative of umtshana or isiZulu mshana vocative of umshana a sister’s or daughter’s child; a nephew or a niece.
Among (urban) isiXhosa- or isiZulu-speakers: an informal term of address to a friend or relative.
1982 Pace Sept.Awu Mtshana! The latest yak-yak blah blah from the tiny state of Transkei leaves us cold.
1983 Pace Oct. 70Heyi Mchana, they say in boxing on these shores you have to be white to matter.
1983 N.S. Ndebele Fools 66This whole land, mshana, I have seen it all.
1985 Learn & Teach No.5, 57 (cartoon)Let’s get rid of these bottles, mshana!
1985 Pace Sept. 4Mtshana, people like to talk off beat.
an informal term of address to a friend or relative.
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IsiXhosa
IsiZulu
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