In the racist organization the Ku Klux Klan, what does 'Ku Klux' mean?

palaceben

According to http://www.bartleby.com/61/34/K0113400.html the derivation may be from the Greek 'kuklos' meaning circle. Jan 24 03, 5:56 AM

mibmob

I heard that it was all supposed to represent the noise of a gun being loaded. Jan 24 03, 9:11 AM

sequoianoir

sequoianoir says: I agree with mibmob that the origins came from the sound of what I think is called a 'bolt action rifle'. I believe that there is a 'lever' that has to be pulled back, moved 'sideways' and then pushed forwards again to load the next round. It makes 3 'distintive' noises when doing this and each is represented by each 'word' Ku - the sound of lifting the bolt Klux - the sound of pulling the bolt back and ejecting the spent cartridge Klan - the sound of (in one motion) chambering a round by sliding the bolt forward and slapping the bolt down to cock and lock the rifle. http://www.everything2.com/index.pl?node=Ku%20Klux%20Klan This also refers to the Greek word kuklos for 'circle'. Fri Jan 24 05:47:34 CST 2003 (Delete Entry) Forgot to say that they were also known as the 'Invisible Empire of the South' Fri Jan 24 05:56:59 CST 2003 (Delete Entry) (Reposted as one entry - McG) Jan 28 03, 5:30 PM