Swahili
matilo
ma-TI-lo
How to say it
Swahilimatiloma-TI-losoon
Englishstay, ruffled hairsoon
Frenchétai, cheveux ébourifféssoon
Meaning
a rope or cable that supports a ship's mast; also used of hair that is ruffled or unruly.
Good to know
primarily a nautical/sailing term; also appears in the fixed phrase "nywele za matilo" (unruly hair).
Examples
- Baharia alikagua matilo ya mlingoti kabla ya safari.The sailor checked the mast's stays before the voyage.
- Alitoka nje akiwa na nywele za matilo.She went outside with ruffled, unruly hair.
- Upepo mkali uliharibu matilo ya meli.The strong wind damaged the ship's stays.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.