CultureAugust 23, 2026

honorific

ON-uh-ruh-fik

Definition

A word or title that expresses respect or rank when addressing someone, such as 'Uncle' or 'Chief'.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'honorificus,' meaning 'bringing honor.' It combines the words for 'honor' and 'making or doing,' and entered English in the 17th century.

In the news

The article explains that African cultures often use personal names paired with an honorific to convey deference, noting that this practice is frequently mistaken for disrespect by those accustomed to Western formal address.

OPINION… Re: Elumelu: Addressing elders by their first names is African culture

Read the full article ↗

Ripples Nigeria

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