The Real Meaning of “YEVU”
These days when you ask Ewe youths especially, or persons under the age of 40 what the term “Yevu” means, they will simply say a White Man or White Person.
Many seem unaware of this etymology.
However, Yevu does not contain the term for a person nor the term for white (which is actually spelled ɣi).
It is actually a contraction of the words; Aye (Tricky) and Avu (Dog) = YEVU (TRICKY / CUNNING DOG) in Eʋegbe / Ewe language.
During colonial rule, this representation captured a passionate perception Eʋe people had of the Europeans they came into contact with. It was chosen and appropriate because Europeans had cunningly tricked and exploited Africans.
Many whites who visit any Ewe community do not know the story behind “YEVU” that the people call them.
By the way, it is not supposed to be an offensive word.
📸 German missionaries preaching in Togo between 1891-1910.
Apke! #ewepride
0 Comments