Maltese Lecturer Explains Origins Of Word ‘Missier’ On Father’s Day
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In a video shared by the University of Malta, Lecturer of Maltese Joseph Buttigieg explained the origins and uses of the word ‘missier’ on father’s day.
Whereas the word for mother ‘omm’ originates from Arabic, the word ‘missier’ originates from the Sicilian word ‘misseri’.
This was a title given to prominent people as a show of respect, but it eventually took on disparaging connotations in Sicilian.
Buttigieg also explained some of the idioms related to the word ‘missier’, as well as the use of the word ‘xiħ’ when referring to one’s dad.
Another word is ‘tata’, which is not used as much nowadays.
#MaltaDaily