Browse African Slang

Mtandao wa kijamii (Social network)

Mchiriko wa Facebook (Facebook live)

Ukurasa wa Facebook (Facebook page)

Faida/pesa za ziada (Profit/extra money)

Kushindwa/kufeli (Failure/defeat)

Familia/jamii (Fam/family)

Famous/maarufu (Famous/well-known)

Used to mean a bribe in some circles (like soda treat).

Do; make

Farasi/mnyama wa kupanda (Horse/riding animal)

Faru/mtu mgumu (Rhino/stubborn person)

Mitindo ya mavazi (Clothing styles)

Colloquial borrowing of “faster” meaning “quickly/quick!” Common in Tanzanian urban talk for urging speed.

Tamasha/sherehe kubwa (Festival/big celebration)

Fid Q/msanii (Fid Q/artist)

Sherehe/karamu (Fiesta/feast)

Figili/mboga za mwaanga (Radish vegetables)

Fihi/nako ndani (It's in it)

Think

Filamu/mchezo wa televisheni (Movie/TV play)

Filamu za runinga (TV movies)

Ala ya kupulizia (Blowing instrument)

Filamu/kazi ya sanaa (Film/art work)

Kichujio cha picha (Photo filter)

Kitu kizuri (Something good)

Mbwa mwitu/mtu mbaya (Hyena/bad person)

Fitness/uongozi wa mwili (Fitness/body leadership)

Mtiririko/ufasaha (Flow/fluency)

Mlolongo/mstari (Queue/line)

Kufuata/kuongoza (To follow/lead)

English “form” used to mean plans/what’s up. Asking “Form ni gani?” is like “What’s the plan?” among youths.

Kosa/makosa (Foul/mistake)

Ufuru/mchezo wa bure (Free kick)

Safi/nzuri (Fresh/good)

Full dose, meaning giving someone the complete deal or beating thoroughly.

Mwisho wa mchezo (Game end)

Full excitement/mood.

Hafla/sherehe (Function/celebration)

Mtu mahiri (Skilled person)

Mtaalamu wa magari (Car expert)

Happy; happiness

Nafasi/muhula (Opportunity/chance)