Abo

¹ American  

[Ab-oh] / ˈæb oʊ /

Or abo

noun

plural

Abos

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to an Australian Aboriginal person.

---

adjective

1. Aboriginal.

ABO ² American  

abbreviation

Physiology.

1. ABO system.

---

Åbo ³ American  

[aw-boo] / ˈɔ bu /

noun

1. Swedish name of Turku.

---

Abo ¹ British  

/ ˈæbəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for Aborigine

   2. ( as modifier )

      an Abo reserve

---

Åbo ² British  

/ ˈoːbuː /

noun

1. the Swedish name for Turku

---

Sensitive Note

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.

Usage

This once quite common word is now completely unacceptable

Etymology

Origin of Abo

First recorded in 1905–10; by shortening; -o

Example Sentences

Sheikh Abo Rayya was walking near the house at the time of the strike, according to Ms Hammoud.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2024

A relative of Sheikh Abo Rayya told the BBC that strike happened at about 17:10 local time, about 15 minutes after the funeral.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2024

The call came in around 4 p.m., while Adam Abo Sheriah was still at work in his pharmacy in New Jersey.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2024

Adam and Ola Abo Sheriah say they make around 150 calls a day to check on siblings, cousins and other relatives trapped in Gaza.Credit...

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2024

Thence he traversed the eastern shores of the gulf for many weary leagues, to Abo, in Finland, where he embarked for the Aland Islands, and reached Stockholm the latter part of October.

From Louis Philippe Makers of History Series by Abbott, John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot)