Friday, July 23, 2010

Patrão É Patrão / Patroon Is Patroon



Anyone who has spent time in Mozambique has likely heard the "Patrão é patrão" song by MC Roger (loosely translated, 'the boss is the boss'). A song that pushes a political agenda (hello, Guebuza - the country's current President) and glorifies class differences in a way that is questionable...but still, a catchy tune that really caught fire in Moz a few years back and, to my knowledge, continues on the DJ list at most places.

The point of this post isn't to discuss the merit of this song or of its singer. Rather, it's to share with you a new word I discovered in English the other day that rocked my world and made me flash back to many sweaty nights at África Bar or Coconuts dancing to this tune: Patroon.

Yes, patroon. As in the Anglicized version of 'patrão'. I couldn't believe it.

I am such a nerd when it comes to etymology and languages, this discovery totally made my day. And now begs the question: should I be singing "Patroon is patroon" now that we live in Amurrricah?

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