Browse African Slang

Dance style

Chicken in leaves

God's hands

Slang for “beans” (from French *haricot madoble* jokingly). Used humorously or when referring to simple home food.

Red beans

Mafia, crime organisé (Mafia, organized crime) - Italian

Eau (Water) - Lingala

Tap water

Rainwater

Clouds

Things will end

Means salted fish (a staple called makayabu), but can describe a situation that’s gotten “salty” or bitter.

Extra salty fish

Charcoal plantains

Pouvoir, capacité (Power, ability) - Lingala

Feet of peace

Stick fighting

Young cassava leaves

Cassava sticks

Savings group leader

Younger aunt

Food vendor lady

Fog

Organisation lourde (Heavy organization) - metaphor

Traditional steam bath

Textbook

Chance, bénédiction (Luck, blessing) - Lingala

Slang for “villager” or someone unsophisticated. Usage: Na ville okoki komona mapeka mingi bazali kofingana na trottoir ...

Shakers

Hoe seller

Peaceful march

Marginalization

Early marriage

Hammer

Riddles

Ancient stories

Pende mask

Teke mask

Common masses

Entreprise énorme (Huge company) - metaphor

Corruption (Corruption) - slang

Three-day funeral

Spiritual ears

Traditional dance

Sweet potato

Wrestling

Slang for pants/trousers (from French *bas*?), used when talking fashion.

Roasted meat

Various slang for a coward or weak person (each colorful – yuma is fool, mobobé is weakling). Usage: Azalaki kosakana lo...

Slang for police officer (Mbila from old term, Waya-waya mimics a siren). Usage: Mbila ezali ebele lelo na munu – Many c...