Where did the word mamba come from?

The word "mamba" comes from the Nguni Bantu languages of Southern Africa, specifically Zulu and Xhosa.

Here's the breakdown:

* "Inyoka" is the Zulu and Xhosa word for "snake."

* "Imba" is the Zulu and Xhosa word for "fierce" or "aggressive."

When combined, "inyoka imba" translates to "fierce snake," which describes the deadly mamba snakes.

So, the word "mamba" is essentially a shortened form of "inyoka imba," capturing the essence of these dangerous snakes.