Definition of the word cheetah

The word "cheetah" originated from the Tswana language, which is spoken in southern Africa. In Tswana, the cheetah is called "tsweta" or "chitiyo," meaning "the one that says ooh" or "the one that goes ooh," due to the cheetah's distinctive vocalizations that sound like a high-pitched "ooh" or "ooroo." The Dutch and German settlers who colonized southern Africa during the 1600s and 1700s adopted the Tswana word for the cheetah into their own languages, respectively spelling it "jaarmierkat" and "Felis chui." These colonial-era names, although no longer commonly used, reflect the languages and cultural influences that shaped the word's evolution. In English, the word "cheetah" was first recorded in the late 18th century, likely stemming from these Afrikaans and German derivatives. Its original meaning remained essentially the same, referring to the same feline species known for its speed and distinctive vocalizations. Today, the word "cheetah" is universally recognized as the common name for Acinonyx jubatus, the fastest land animal in the world, and serves as a reminder of the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the African continent.