Abo

¹ American  

[Ab-oh] / ˈæb oʊ /

Or abo

noun

plural

Abos

1. a contemptuous term used to refer to an Australian Aboriginal person.

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adjective

1. Aboriginal.

ABO ² American  

abbreviation

Physiology.

1. ABO system.

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Åbo ³ American  

[aw-boo] / ˈɔ bu /

noun

1. Swedish name of Turku.

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Abo ¹ British  

/ ˈæbəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for Aborigine

   2. ( as modifier )

      an Abo reserve

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Åbo ² British  

/ ˈoːbuː /

noun

1. the Swedish name for Turku

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Sensitive Note

Since Abo is simply a shortened form of Aborigine or Aboriginal, one could easily think that it is as neutral and inoffensive a term as Aussie is for an Australian. However, Abo is as highly offensive to Australian Aboriginal people as nigger is to African Americans in the United States.

Usage

This once quite common word is now completely unacceptable

Etymology

Origin of Abo

First recorded in 1905–10; by shortening; -o

Example Sentences

Sheikh Abo Rayya was walking near the house at the time of the strike, according to Ms Hammoud.

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2024

Mr Abo Taha said he had built his home in Rafah himself with the help of his siblings.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2024

Adam and Ola Abo Sheriah say they make around 150 calls a day to check on siblings, cousins and other relatives trapped in Gaza.Credit...

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2024

The call came in around 4 p.m., while Adam Abo Sheriah was still at work in his pharmacy in New Jersey.

From New York Times • Apr. 24, 2024

He then pursued his way along the east coast, through that district and Finland, visiting Ulea, Brabestadt, Carleby, Christina, and Abo.

From Lives of Eminent Zoologists, from Aristotle to Linnæus with Introductory remarks on the Study of Natural History by MacGillivray, William