Komiesa

(Interjection, Kaaps)

Pronounced: /kaw-MEE-sa/ (say it fast)

Note: The term is a mash-up of the Afrikaans phrase “kom hierso,” which simply means “come here.”

In language terms, this blending of two words into one shorter word is called phonological reduction. A key part of this is assimilation, where sounds from the original phrase change and merge to make the new word, komiesa, faster and easier to say.

Phonological Reduction: When a word or phrase is shortened or simplified when it’s spoken quickly.

Assimilation: When a sound in a word or phrase changes to become more like a nearby sound, making the words flow better together.