Browse African Slang

A hangover from alcohol. Commonly used across Namibia and South Africa (spelled babalas in SA)

Youngest child (Last born)

Ambient sound (Environmental audio)

Negative energy (Bad luck)

Negative feeling (Unhappy state)

A pickup truck. In Namibia a bakkie is any small open-back truck, widely used by farmers and city folks alike

Perfect BBQ weather (Perfect grilling weather)

Your decision (Your move)

No Lozi (Refusal)

People Lozi (Humans)

Fit physique (Summer shape)

Coastal platform (Sand venue)

Geld vir mooi wees (Money for being beautiful)

Sleep time (Night rest)

Artist's story (Background info)

A humoristic term for a young guy who dates much older women (a 'toy boy'). Taken from the cartoon 'Ben 10' about a boy

Reserve player (Substitute)

Oruske / rusk (Rusk / hard biscuit)

Historic southern village (Old settlement)

Improved unity (Enhanced pair)

Major opportunity (Success chance)

Congratulations/praise (Recognition)

Dried meat (jerky), a popular snack. Youth might use it in jokes or nicknames (e.g. calling someone biltong if they're t...

Birthday atmosphere (Celebration mood)

Geld stuur vir familie (Sending money to family)

Fault finding (Accusation cycle)

Close as siblings (Brother bond)

Family forever (Kinship bond)

Family bonds strong (Kinship powerful)

Family lineage (Ancestry line)

Easy victory (One-sided game)

Angs wanneer iemand jou ignore (Anxiety when someone ignores you)

Connection period (Together moments)

Natural entertainer (Made for stage)

Okali paife / completely crazy (Completely crazy)

Acting rich / fancy (Acting high class)

A barbecue grill or the act of grilling meat socially. In Namibian youth culture, to braai is an essential weekend activ...

Saturday BBQ tradition (Weekend barbecue)

BBQ meat selection (Grill package)

Onyama yokupya / BBQ meat (Barbecue meat)

Perfect BBQ conditions (Grilling climate)

Lang ure vir hare vleg (Long hours for braiding)

Income provider (Financial supporter)

Achieve success (Make it)

Arm maar gelukkig (Poor but happy)

No money lifestyle (Poor living)

Very close friends (Like siblings)