sjambok
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʃæm.bɒk/
KK: /ˈʃæmbɒk/
noun
Definition
A strong whip that is often made from animal skin and used for striking or herding animals.
Example
The farmer used a sjambok to guide the cattle back to the pen.
Conversation
Have you ever seen a sjambok before?
No, I haven't. What is it used for?
It's a heavy whip made from animal hide, mostly used in some cultures.
That sounds pretty interesting, I’d love to learn more about it!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
whip
lash
strap
Antonyms
hug
embrace
caress
transitive verb
Definition
To strike someone or something with a long, flexible whip made from animal hide, often used for punishment or herding animals.
Example
The farmer used a sjambok to guide the cattle back to the pen.
Tense Forms
Past: sjamboked
Past Participle: sjamboked
Conversation
Did you hear about that old story where someone tried to sjambok a lion to scare it away?
No way! That sounds intense and a bit crazy.
I know, right? I can't imagine actually having to sjambok a wild animal.
Root Explanation
The word 'sjambok' originates from the Afrikaans language, derived from the Zulu word 'isambok', which refers to a type of whip made from animal hide. It describes a long, flexible whip traditionally used for herding cattle or as a tool for punishment.
Memory Tip
Think of the Zulu word 'isambok' for a whip, which helps you remember that 'sjambok' refers to a whip made from animal hide.
Visually Confused Words
sambo
jambo