Swahili
watimbi
wa-TEEM-bee
How to say it
Swahiliwatimbiwa-TEEM-beesoon
Englishjinxessoon
Frenchporte-malheursoon
Meaning
People believed to bring bad luck; the term can also refer to a traditional healer who prepares protective charms.
Good to know
plural of mtimbi (m-/wa- class); a folk-belief term that can be either an insult (bad-luck bringer) or a role (charm-maker) depending on context.
Examples
- Wazee walisema watimbi hawakaribishwi harusini.The elders said jinxes are not welcome at weddings.
- Si watimbi wote wanaotengeneza hirizi.Not all charm-makers prepare protective charms.
- Je, watimbi hao waliaminiwa na kijiji kizima?Were those charm-makers trusted by the whole village?
Not yet checked by a native speaker.