Browse African Slang

Things will end

“No problem/no harm” (similar to labas). Used to say it’s all good. Usage: I accidentally stepped on your shoe – makane ...

Utingo wa matatu (Matatu tout)

Bière locale (Local beer)

Makanisa ya mtaa (Neighborhood churches)

Makanja (Police - Southwest)

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

Sheikh's residence

Elder homes

Orphanage

Ficar / permanecer (To stay / remain)

Beignets gourmet (Gourmet fritters)

Graines de bonheur (Seeds of happiness)

Another slang for police.

Poisson salé (Salted fish)

Extra salty fish

There isn't/doesn't exist

Literally “there’s no with whom,” meaning “no one is reliable to do it” or “we have no help.”

New residence

Maquiagem (Makeup)

Let me know/Tell me (Inform me)

A common phrase meaning to improvise a solution or find a way around a problem, reflecting the South African attitude of...

Make am (To succeed)

Means to figure something out or manage it somehow. Often said when you'll find a way around a problem.

To mess up or fail (as beans that turn to mush).

To be sensible or intelligent.

ميك ديفرنس (Make difference)

Balance income and expenses (Financial balance)

Do agriculture/Plant (Farm work)

Make hair (To style hair)

Fazer história (Make history)

To put in great effort or pressure.

Succeed/Achieve wealth (Become successful)

Khalliha tahsal (Make it occur)

Create success (Make it happen)

Force success (Create function)

Means 'watch out'. 'I making my eye on you' = I'm watching you carefully.

To do something intensely or extremely well.

Fazer acontecer (Make moves)

Make peace (Create harmony)

Make sense (To be logical)

To be consistent or chill steadily.

Create opportunity (Find time)

Go make up (Reconcile)

Make up (To reconcile)

Missed exam retake (Replacement test)

To irritate or provoke (make someone angry)

Let's go (Let us go)

To get serious or put in a great effort.

Honor family (Please parents)