Galla

[ gal-uh ]

noun

, plural Gal·las, (especially collectively) Gal·la.

1. Offensive. Oromo.

Galla

/ ˈɡælə /

noun

1. -las-la a member of a tall dark-skinned people inhabiting Somalia and SE Ethiopia
2. the language of this people, belonging to the Cushitic subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages

Sensitive Note

The Oromo (a nomadic, pastoral people of Ethiopia and Kenya) were formerly called Galla by other Ethiopians, and this name is common in historical texts through the early 20th century. However, Galla was never used by the Oromo themselves, and it is now considered a derogatory name for the people.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Galla¹

First recorded in 1875–80; origin uncertain; perhaps from Amharic or from Arabic ghalīẓ “wild, rough.”

Example Sentences

One theory holds that Gedi was deserted to avoid the advancing nomadic Galla tribe coming from Somalia.

From The Daily Beast

The precise relative elevations of the two mountains are, Pedro-talla-galla 8280 feet, Adam's Peak 7420 feet.

From Project Gutenberg

The ancient church at Ravenna of Galla Placidia contained some mosaics, now vanished, but two bas-reliefs refer to the sandal.

From Project Gutenberg

Only yesterday a caravan of two thousand camels arrived from Harar in the Galla country.

From Project Gutenberg

The caravan comprised a dozen Arabs and thirty or forty Somalis of the Galla country.

From Project Gutenberg

The very day fixed for his escape he was sold to a Galla chief who lived twenty miles distant.

From Project Gutenberg