abacost

English

Mobutu (on the left) wearing an abacost in 1983.

Etymology

From French. A contraction of à bas le costume (“down with the western suit”)

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ˈæ.bə.kɒst/
• (US) IPA^(key): /ˈæ.bə.kɑst/

Noun

abacost (plural abacosts)

1. (chiefly historical) A short- or long-sleeved button-up jacket, worn without a shirt, that was promoted in Zaire under the regime of Mobutu Sese Seko. [First attested in the late 20^th century]
   • 2005, Jeanne M. Haskin, The tragic state of the Congo: from decolonization to dictatorship, Algora, page 44:

     Wearing a collarless jacket called the abacost that reflected the style of chairman Mao, Mobutu outlawed the traditional suits and business dress of the West.

   • 2006, Martin Meredith, Africa: from the hopes of freedom to the heart of despair, PublicAffairs, page 296:

     The abacost became Mobutu's personal trademark, […]

   • 2007, Gemma Pitcher et al., Africa, 11th edition, Lonely Planet, page 562:

     [T]he new leader [Mobutu Sese Seko] embarked on a campaign of 'Africanisation', with […] suits giving way to the abacost (a Congolese version of the Mao jacket); […]

   • 2007, Michael Powell, 101 People You Won't Meet in Heaven, Globe Pequot, page 206:

     [A]ll western clothing was banned—to be replaced by one-piece tunic called an abacost.

Anagrams

• Tabasco, tabasco

French

Etymology

Contraction of the political slogan à bas le costume! (“down with the suit!”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /a.ba.kɔst/

Noun

abacost m (plural abacosts)

1. (Africa, chiefly historical) abacost