Browse African Slang

Upper body training (Chest exercises)

Sound expressing shock or surprise (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Certificat (Certificate)

Outdated or try-<a href="/word/hard" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Hard">hard</a>

Outdated or trying too hard

Soavaly / Horse

شوفو، شعر (Hair)

Chew and pour - Rote learning without understanding

Amharic for “guy” or “dude,” used informally among friends (also means “noble” literally).

ጨዋታ/ጨዋታ (Chewata) - conversation

Studying intensely (as in “chew and pour”).

Ntemba's place (bar)

Cheza inavyokufaa (Play your way)

“Don’t play with... \[subject]” used to warn that something/someone is not to be underestimated.

How much is this?

Means “broken” or “messed up.” Used to describe something not functioning or a person who is out of it. Usage: My phone ...

Slang for *a big man, bro, or dude* (often a playful term among guys, literally “big daddy”).

Slang meaning “intense effort” or sometimes “force.” Often used in soccer to mean playing with full force.

A term from Tigrinya that refers to a cultural concept, object, or action. It is commonly used in everyday speech within...

Chibuku (Traditional beer)

Cidade de Chibuto (Chibuto city)

Chic (Chic)

Barragem de Chicamba (Chicamba Dam)

Girl/Babe/Lady (Young woman)

Poultry/Bird meat (Chicken)

Small money/Coins (Petty cash)

Proyecto de gallinero (Chicken coop project)

Chicken dance (Wedding dance)

Consequences arrive (Chickens roost)

Spice ea kgogo / Chicken spice

Maoto a kgogo / Chicken feet

Vila de Chicumbane (Chicumbane village)

A term from African languages referring to cultural concepts or everyday objects.

Mkuu/kiongozi (Leader/chief)

Traditional leader/Elder (Chief)

Mkutano wa chifu (Chief's meeting)

Chiefs palace - Traditional ruler's residence

Chakula kwa Kiluo (Food in Luo)

Alika / Dog

Rag picker

Montant (Amount)

Turnover

Chiffre d'affaires (Turnover)

Chiffre d'affaires (Turnover)

Revenus totaux (Total revenue)

Le chiffre monte (Turnover rises)

ችግረም - ችግር (Problem)

Classic Ethiopian phrase meaning “No problem” (literally “no issue”). Often shortened in slang to just “yichigir” joking...

Zona rural de Gaza (Rural Gaza area)

Tambor grande (Big drum)