How Do You Spell HOTTENTOTISM?

Pronunciation: [hˈɒtəntˌɒtɪzəm] (IPA)

Hottentotism, pronounced as hɑːtəntɒtɪzəm, is a derogatory term used to describe the language and culture of the Khoikhoi people of southern Africa. The term is considered offensive and racist, as it reflects the colonial-era views of Europeans who viewed the Khoikhoi people as primitive and inferior. The word is spelled with two "t"s, ending in "ism" to denote a particular ideology or belief system. The phonetic transcription breaks down the pronunciation of the word into individual sounds, allowing for easier understanding of its pronunciation.

HOTTENTOTISM Meaning and Definition

1. Hottentotism is a term with historical and derogatory connotations, used in the past to describe certain physical or cultural characteristics associated with the Khoikhoi people (also known as Hottentots) of southern Africa. The term is now obsolete and considered offensive, reflecting the outdated and discriminatory language used during the colonial period.

   During the 17th and 18th centuries, Europeans encountered the Khoikhoi people and highlighted what they perceived as distinctive physical features, such as brown skin, prominent buttocks, and elongated labia minora among Khoikhoi women. This term was often used by Europeans to portray the Khoikhoi as uncivilized or primitive, emphasizing their differences from European norms.

   However, today we recognize that such terms are rooted in racism and ethnocentrism, perpetuating stereotypes and dehumanizing individuals based on their appearance. The use of the term "Hottentotism" is considered highly derogatory and disrespectful, emphasizing the need to approach discussions about different cultures with sensitivity and respect.

   It is crucial to understand the historical context surrounding this term and recognize the harm it has caused. Contemporary usage of this term is generally discouraged, as it reinforces harmful narratives that have long been discredited. Acknowledging and respecting the diversity of cultures and peoples is a fundamental aspect of promoting equality and inclusion.

2. A form of stammering.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for HOTTENTOTISM

• gottentotism
• bottentotism
• nottentotism
• jottentotism
• uottentotism
• yottentotism
• hittentotism
• hkttentotism
• hlttentotism
• hpttentotism
• h0ttentotism
• h9ttentotism
• hortentotism
• hoftentotism
• hogtentotism
• hoytentotism
• ho6tentotism
• ho5tentotism
• hotrentotism

Etymology of HOTTENTOTISM

The word "Hottentotism" is derived from "Hottentot", which was an outdated term used to refer to the Khoikhoi people, an indigenous ethnic group from Southern Africa. The term "Hottentot" was coined by Dutch colonizers during the period of European exploration and colonization in Africa.

"Hottentot" is believed to have originated from a combination of two Khoikhoi words, "hoet" and "entot", which mean "stutterer" or "stammerer" in the Khoikhoi language. It is important to note that the term is considered derogatory and offensive today, and the preferred term to refer to the Khoikhoi people is "Khoikhoi" or "Nama".