Browse African Slang

Macaco (Monkey/Troublemaker)

Macaco (Monkey/Troublemaker)

Charbon de bois (Charcoal)

Charbon (Charcoal)

Poulet braisé (Grilled chicken)

Barbecue (BBQ)

Affaires, choses (Affairs, things)

Things will end

Quelles affaires? (What matters?)

“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)

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.

Fort, difficile (Strong, difficult) - Lingala

Feuilles, légumes (Leaves, vegetables)

Poisson salé (Salted fish)

Poisson salé et séché (Salted and dried 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)

An expression meaning to improvise a solution or *figure something out* (often said as “we will make a plan”).

Make am (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.

مايك ديفرنس - أحدث فرقا (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)

ميك ات هابن (Make it happen)

Explain the logic

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)

Reconcile/Unite (Make peace)