Controversial Word: Mputa
As you all may know, words mean things. Yet this is a tradition with a mix of two or more languages spoken. Yet some words directly match almost perfectly between Kikongo and Spanish, making it hard to decipher if the word muttered by someone was one or the other. For example; mundu vs mundo or dinsensia vs licencia. So what happens when this overlap occurs in the pronunciation of the word but the meaning isnt exactly the same? Well the answer is simple, in most cases the word is almost never used or if it is used, its specifically spoken with emphasis to make sure that what is said is understood.
For example: Mputa.
In Kikongo this word can have two meanings depending on the context. In a positive and formal context it can be understood as a younger woman who has no husband. In a more aggressive and informal context it could be understood as the same as the Spanish word "Puta" A bitch, whore etc.
It is important we keep in mind that even a single letter, emphasis and context can change the meaning of a word.
In this case of this word, I would not use it in a positive way because of the ramifications behind being misunderstood. Instead I say "Nkento" or "Ndumba" for women. This leaves the usage of the word "Mputa" to be exactly what it sounds like to Spanish-speakers.
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