Browse African Slang

Black seed

Beloved

Friend of my heart

My love/dear; used for friends regardless of gender

Prison or detention; threat that hangs over dissent - 'habs' can mean actual jail or metaphorical imprisonment of societ...

Hack/cheat

Blacksmith

Calm/quiet

Means “that’s it” or “that’s the one.” Used when something exactly hits the mark.

Pilgrimage title

Talk/speech

Barber

Party/celebration

Traditional women's garment

Wall

Thing; need

Pilgrimage to Mecca, but also title of respect for elders; completing hajj transforms social status - suddenly everyone ...

Female pilgrim

Take this/here you go

Like this

Wise person

Like that

Right now/immediately

Permissible in Islam

Fenugreek

Literally “pig,” insult for someone who’s being gross or stubborn. Usage: Stop eating like a halouf, chew with your mout...

Praise be to God

Expression of gratitude that reflects Algerian resilience; say 'hamdullah' whether you're celebrating or struggling - it...

Porter

Turkish bath

Local soda brand

Shop

Spicy/hot

Alley/neighborhood

Forbidden in Islam

Heat/temperature

Ramadan soup

Enough; specific to western Algeria

Put/place

Even/also

Someone who hates

Wave around

هيا' = يلا/لننطلق. (EN: Let’s go/come on.)

My life

Shrug shoulders

Sad

Go down/descend

“Shame” or “shameful.” Used to say something is embarrassing or not respectable.

Calm person

Speak/talk