Abo
or ab·o
[ Ab-oh ]
/ ˈæb oʊ /
noun, plural Ab·os.
a contemptuous term used to refer to an Australian Aboriginal person.
adjective
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Origin of Abo
First recorded in 1905–10; by shortening; see -o
usage note for Abo
Since Abo is simply a shortened form of Aborigine or Aboriginal, one could easily think that it is as neutral and inoffensive a term as Aussie is for an Australian. However, Abo is as highly offensive to Australian Aboriginal people as nigger is to African Americans in the United States.
Definition for Abo (2 of 3)
Definition for Abo (3 of 3)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
British Dictionary definitions for Abo (1 of 2)
Abo
/ (ˈæbəʊ) /
noun plural Abos (sometimes not capital) Australian old-fashioned, taboo
- short for Aborigine
- (as modifier)an Abo reserve
usage for Abo
This once quite common word is now completely unacceptable
British Dictionary definitions for Abo (2 of 2)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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