mata-mata

/ ˈmataˈmata /

noun

1. (in Malaysia) a former name for police

Word History and Origins

Origin of mata-mata¹

from Malay, reduplicated plural of mata eye

Example Sentences

But we have entered the “mata-mata” stage – kill or be killed – and now only results count; few care how it’s done, as long as it’s done.

From The Guardian

The policeman chased him down to the river-bank— Mata-mata kejar juga sampei ka-tepi sungei.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a policeman watching in the street— Ada mata-mata sa’orang men-jaga di jalan.

From Project Gutenberg

Near the Tapajos we met a third species, called Matá-matá.

From Project Gutenberg

Their chief pa, Mata-mata, he seized by a piece of callous bad faith and murder.

From Project Gutenberg