Proposed to be derived from Proto-Yoruba *V-ɣʊ̀sá, *a-ɣʊ̀sá, *ɛ-ɣʊ̀sá, probably of Proto-Edekiri origin. Maybe equivalent to a- (“nominalizing prefix”) + wù (“to uproot; to grow”) + sá (“to dry”), perhaps referring to the drying of the nuts. Also compare with the synonym àsálà, where "sá" is also seen.