I may not be a Luo but have associated with them a lot more to know some of their words and meanings.
The Word Jaluo can be derogatory or not depending on the user and intended meaning. When a Luo utters it to refer to a fellow Luo or address another Luo,it comes with honour,dignity and pride. This is because it confirms a certain level of unity of origin and the pride of a Luo. It has a deeper meaning than reference to a person. It is close to refering him as a Jaramogi.. Note it applies to men and it is treated with honour. The female version would be nyarluo or nyaluo in short. As a partiachal society,the usage of the word Nyar ramogi or Nyi ramogi has been in short supply.
However those who are unfamiliar with the inner meaning of the word Jaluo to a Luo use the term indiscriminately. In the case of M7,using the term in the same sentence with the word 'mad' becomes derogatory. A Kiuk,Kale,Kamba or any other tribe using the term to refer to luos positively or negatively,in honour or despise; for fame or shame,in singular or plural also makes the same error as M7. Ever had of Joluo? Well it is the plural of Jaluo,but it is rarely used and so the honour and pride is not communicated in group reference. I have to admit that in many ways the derogatory meaning is always communicated,and sometimes bad use turns the positive intention into a negative connotation. Its even worse when you say Jaruo as M7 did.
To avoid this mess,especially when you dont know whether it is Jaluo,Joluo,Nyarluo or Nyiluo,just call them Luos. They will not 'Nyoa' reli
Any other Jathurwa in the House?
Slack and sleeping senses must be addressed with thunder and heavenly fireworks.