Browse African Slang

Totally/wholly (Luganda slang).

Bwana (Sir/mister - from Swahili)

Literally “Mr./sir,” but used like “man” or “dude” in slang as well.

Bwana harusi/mume mpya (Groom/new husband)

Exclamation meaning “Oh man!” or “Wow, dude!”

Ancestral wisdom

Water pond

Alternative spelling of *bué*, same meaning “a lot.” Sometimes written bwe online.

Slang describing the wiggle of a big booty when walking (a vivid Copperbelt term).

To flex or show off luxuries" (Chichewa slang)

Religion traditionnelle (Traditional religion)

With divine help (Through God's favor)

By divine favor (With God's help)

A phrase meaning something will be done no matter what obstacles arise. It implies determination at all costs – "come he...

Used to describe something done out of necessity or compulsion.

By now (At this time)

Byang (Many/Much)

Veloma / Bye

باي فيليشا - Bye Felicia

Bye bye (Farewell)

White

بيض/بيضا، أبيض البشرة (Fair-skinned)

Slang for cheap local cigarettes or any cheap thing.

Alternative route (Detour)

Means “a lot” or “too much” in Darija. Often used to emphasize quantity or intensity. Usage: Kan kayhder bzaaf (he talks...

بزاف، كثير (A lot, too much)

Beaucoup (text)

Père (Father)

Língua Balanta (Balanta language)

Chaussure (Shoe)

Slang for *foufou* (cassava flour paste), a staple. Youth might use it to refer to something basic or old-school.

Comment ça va (How are you)

Étudier dur (Study hard)

Camionnette couverte (Covered pickup truck)

Insulte pour faux Conakryka (Insult for fake Conakry person)

Bâtiment construit (Building constructed)

Million (Million)

Slangy interjection meaning 'okay/alright' (short form of Arabic bekheir or French ça va). Friends use it to agree or co...

Bãmb (They - Mooré)

Bãng (To know - Mooré)

Baby/darling

Bébé (Baby)

Petit bisou (Little kiss)

Blanc en Nouchi (White person in Nouchi)

Parler avec difficulté (Stutter)

Amourette (Infatuation)

Vélo (Bicycle)

Bénéfice (Profit)

Argent, richesse (Money, wealth)

Vision future du pays (Benin 2040)