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.

Åbo

¹

/ ˈoːbuː /

noun

1. See Turku
   the Swedish name for Turku

Abo

²

/ ˈæbəʊ /

noun

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

      an Abo reserve

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Abo¹

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

Example Sentences

I have no real choice in the matter, regardless of what the ABO or ABP or ABMS say.

From The Daily Beast

Back in the 1990s, he ran afoul of the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO), the certifying organization for his specialty.

From The Daily Beast

Abo Mohammed also was looking to enter the country again soon, smuggling various supplies.

From The Daily Beast

I jes' went to de depot an' I dim' abo'd de fus' train I sees dat look lak she might be fixin' to go sommers.

From Project Gutenberg

Indeed, the whole of the police in the provinces of Abo and of Helsingfors seemed to be actively making a house-to-house search.

From Project Gutenberg

Therefore I took the midnight train back to Abo, arriving at the hotel next morning.

From Project Gutenberg

It was a festive occasion, and the élite and fashion of Abo were assembled there in their best attire.

From Project Gutenberg

He met Alexander personally, agreeing with him on plans of mutual action, at Abo in 1812.

From Project Gutenberg