Just A Minute

 
<<<<   1276   >>>>

Re: better late then never !

Messages in this topic: 4 View All
david_and_ubonwanSep 6, 2007
 

 
--- In just-a-minute@..., On 04/09/07, linda
<irishmanufan@...> wrote:

> > Big debate about Timbuktu between round they need to talk about it
> > more in the round! It is turning out to be very educational with
> > Maureen lipman telling us it has something to do with the French
> > word for belly button.
> >

Timbuktu was established by the nomadic Tuareg perhaps as early as
the 10th century. According to a popular etymology its name is made
up of: tin which means « place » and buktu, the name of an old Malian
woman known for her honesty and who once upon a time lived in the
region. Tuareg and other travelers would entrust this woman with any
belongings for which they had no use on their return trip to the
north. Thus, when a Tuareg, upon returning to his home, was asked
where he had left his belongings, he would answer: «I left them at
Tin Buktu », meaning the place where dame Buktu lived. The two terms
ended up fusing into one word, thus giving the city the name of
Tinbuktu which later became Timbuktu.

Ryegate is in Surrey, south-west of London

David and Ubonwan

 
<<<<   1276   >>>>

Back to the Top