anansi

From Akan, Twi Akan, and Awutu ananse (“spider”), Abron ànãnzi (“spider”).^[1] Compare Maroon Spirit Language nãsi (“spider”).

• IPA^(key): /aˈnansi/, [a̠ˈna̠nsi], [ɑ̟ˈnɑ̟nsi]

anansi

1. spider
   • 1904, H. van Cappelle, “Surinaamsche negervertellingen [Surinamese Negro tales]”, in Elsevier's Geïllustreerd Maandschrift‎^[2], page 318:

     Mi anansi mi koni, o grinnjang, / Poeroe pari na vesi, / Poeroe pari na baka, / Mi anansi mi koni, o grinnjang.

     [Mi anansi mi koni, o grinnyan / puru pari na fesi / puru pari na baka / mi anansi mi koni, o grinnyan]

     I'm a clever spider, please add this translation if you can / pull out the paddle on the front/ pull out the paddle at the back / I'm a clever spider, please add this translation if you can

   • 1925 January 6, “Oude- en Nieuwjaarsindrukken [New Year's Eve and New Year's Day impressions]”, in Suriname‎^[3], page 3:

     tje mi sisa fa sopie mekie anansie de korie bigi bigi man.

     [Ke mi sisa, fa sopi meki anansi e kori bigi bigiman.]

     Oh dear, my sister, how alcohol lets a big adult man be fooled by a spider.

   • 1931, Lou Lichtveld, “Op zoek naar de spin [Looking for the spider]”, in De West-Indische Gids‎^[4], KITLV/Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies, page 212:

     Dė̄ tai anãsi ti̇̄ jari: na a wã dé di libi fu pur' ė̄ na teté a sa go dėdė?

     [Den tai anansi tin yari: na a wan dei di libi fu puru en na titei a sa go dede?]

     For ten years, the spider was tied up; will it die on the last day left before it's released from the rope?

2. (idiomatic, figuratively) pins and needles, state of being asleep (said of limbs)
   • 1874, W. Boekhoudt, Uit mijn verleden. Bijdrage tot de kennis van Suriname [From my past. Contribution to the knowledge of Suriname]‎^[5], Winschoten: J.D. van der Veen, page 97:

     Anansi de na mi foetoe.

     [Anansi de na mi futu.]

     My leg fell asleep.

     (literally, “There is a spider in my leg.”)