The Khoikhoi origins of the word 'quagga'

'Quagga' is a word borrowed from Khoikhoi 'quácha'. The word entered the English language some time around 1785.

quagga [noun] [1785]

An extinct mammal (Equus quagga) of southern Africa that resembled and was related to the zebras
Meaning: an extinct mammal ( Equus quagga ) of southern Africa that resembled and was related to the zebras.

Etymology: obsolete Afrikaans (now kwagga ); from Khoikhoi quacha.

Topics: Animals:Mammals.

Origin: From Khoikhoi to English.

See 'quagga' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Khoikhoi.

See more loan words from 1700s.