From an element of uncertain interpretation dab + tsi (“what”).
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This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.
Particularly: “Is "dab" here a semantic extension of the "spirit", "neck", or "trough" meanings? Or is it a nonce formation to make the common concept of "what" easier to distinguish (two syllables rather than one)?”
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dab tsi
- what
- Heimbach, Ernest E. (1979) White Hmong — English Dictionary[1], SEAP Publications, →ISBN, page 29.
