Browse African Slang

Greatest discussion (Best argument)

Literally 'go crazy.' Youth say go mal to mean someone is partying hard or losing it (in a fun way)

Serious expression (Competition look)

Competition starts (Let's play)

Thank you Damara (Thanks)

Hot or sexy (slang)" ("Namlish slang")

Famous Namibian musician (Lazarus Shiimi)

Short for Namibian Gazette, ironically used to mean someone who gossips or spreads news (as in a walking newspaper)

Omuhole / happy (Happy)

Age-old insight (Time-tested knowledge)

Style switching (Music variety)

Receive money (Earn income)

Preparation time (Dressing up)

Deepening relationship (Advancing)

Female friend group (Women team)

Ezuva / yesterday (Yesterday)

Eastern town/cattle country (Farming region)

A derogatory term for someone unattractive or rough. Sometimes used humorously among youth now without malice

Sales milestone (Success marker)

Literally 'glue,' but slang for cheap, unbranded or generic things (like gom clothes = uncool outfits)

Gracious competitor (Fair player)

Church music events (Religious concerts)

Will support (Will help)

Droom om te gradueer (Dream to graduate)

Elder tales (Old wisdom)

Northern gateway (Regional hub)

Party animal wat altyd uit gaan (Party animal who always goes out)

Epandulo lyokudanisa (Place to party)

Shopping center (Mall)

Relationship declining (Drifting away)

Traditional miners’ rubber-boot dance (cultural reference)" ("Namlish culture")

Means to chicken out or be scared. If someone 'pulls a gwara,' they backed off due to fear

Fitness fanatic (Exercise lover)