Note 37 — Chapter III

In the Egba tongue, Oku, or Aiku (hence the trivial name, “Akoo people”), is a noun, “immortality,” and an adjective, “not able to die, alive.” Oku de ’u is the normal Dahoman salutation, Oku being understood to signify, “I compliment you,” or “thanks”; whilst de ’u is explained by “still doing,” or “still making.” Various shortenings of the word are exchanged, e.g., oku de ’u, de ’u, ’ú, ’u, till both saluter and salutee have had enough. At an early hour they say, “Oku de ’u Afwan,” good morning; or “Afwan dagbwe á?” is it a good morning? In the evening, “Oku de ’u baddan!” good evening! Atyan means “Are you well?”