Browse African Slang

“Sorry” or “excuse me” (literally “forgive me”). Used to apologize or get someone’s attention.

جيد، حسن (Good, well - Soninke)

Salut respectueux (Respectful greeting)

Travail (Work)

From English “boss,” used as slang to address someone in a friendly manner, like “mate.”

Good/fine (Somali) - positive response

Somali slang for pasta, reflecting the Italian influence. Refers to the pasta dish with tomato sauce that’s a staple in ...

Salutation bariba (Bariba greeting)

Door

Famous Algiers neighborhood

باب منصور - البوابة الشهيرة (famous gate)

Père (Father)

Baba wa Kizaramo (Zaramo father)

بابا الغالي - الأب العزيز (dear father)

Grand-père (Grandfather)

Mwenye gari (Car owner)

Mwanaume anayeuza matunda (Man who sells fruits)

Mwanaume anayeuza viatu (Man who sells shoes)

Hangover (from Zulu ibhabhalazi).

Prêtre traditionnel (Traditional priest)

A hangover. This term is used casually among friends after a night of heavy drinking

Estar apaixonado, derreter-se (To be in love, to melt)

A bad hangover (originating from Zulu *ibhabhalazi*).

Means a girl or girlfriend (not just baby). Calling someone my babe means my girl. As slang it can refer to any female o...

Mpenzi/baby (Lover/baby)

Babe (Babe)

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

A **hangover** (from Zulu *ibhabhalazi*).

Babenda (Leafy vegetable soup)

Mal, mauvais (Bad)

Affaire facile (Easy matter)

Rapidement, vite fait (Quickly)

Gas stove

Traditional slippers

بابوش شيك - بلغة أنيقة (elegant slippers)

Babouches (Traditional slippers)

Chamomile

Boat; ship

Babtou (White - from toubab)

Babu/mzee mkuu (Grandfather)

Jed (Grandfather - Swahili)

My grandfather

بيبي - Baby

Mpenzi/mtoto (Baby/beloved)

Pregnant/Expecting (Pregnancy)

Baby daddy (Child's father)

Baby fever (Want children)

Infant meal/Formula (Baby food)

Baby mama (Child's mother)

Baby mama palava - Drama with child's mother