Abo

¹

or ab·o

[ Ab-oh ]

noun

, plural Ab·os.

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

adjective

1. Aboriginal ( def 2 ).

ABO

²

abbreviation for

, Physiology.

1. ABO system.

Åbo

³

[ aw-boo ]

noun

1. Swedish name of Turku.

Abo

¹

/ ˈæbəʊ /

noun

1. 1. short for Aborigine
   2. ( as modifier )

      an Abo reserve

Åbo

²

/ ˈoːbuː /

noun

1. the Swedish name for Turku

Usage

This once quite common word is now completely unacceptable

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Abo¹

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

Example Sentences

A relative of Sheikh Abo Rayya told the BBC that strike happened at about 17:10 local time, about 15 minutes after the funeral.

From BBC

"I was like 'yes this is my house' and I saw the pictures and here I was shocked", Mr Abo Taha said.

From BBC

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

Abo Mohamed Attya said he was sleeping in a tent with his family when he woke up to the sound of the bombardment.

From BBC

Mary Tanaka Abo, 83, resolved to never pass down her shame.

From Seattle Times