Browse African Slang

Popular nickname for South Africa.

"Mzansi" is a colloquial name for South Africa, and "fo sho" is slang for "for sure." Together, this phrase is an upbeat...

Mtu wa Zaramo kutoka Dar (Zaramo person from Dar)

Mtu anayezaa (Parent person)

Mtu anayezaa au kulea mtoto (Person who gives birth or raises a child)

Elder; old man (respectful)

Rajul kabir (Old man - East African)

Mzee (Elder - from Swahili)

Mzee mwenye uzoefu mkubwa (Elder with great experience)

Kiongozi wa kijiji (Village elder)

Mkuu wa kijijini (Village elder)

Mkuu wa eneo (Area elder)

Mzee anayejua desturi (Elder who knows traditions)

Street smarts; survival cunning (lit. 'cleverness of food')" (Chichewa slang)

From “muzuwak” (decorated), slang for someone all dressed up.

Jambo au mtu unayesababisha matatizo (Something or someone causing problems)

Mziko/mahali pa kupiakz (Stove/cooking place)

Mzima/kamili (Whole/complete)

Mzingo/duara (Circle/round)

Mtu mkuu (Big person / boss)

Dar es Salaam (Dar es Salaam)

Mzungu/mtu mweupe (White person/light person)

Blanc, européen (White person, European) - Swahili

Mzunguko/kurudi kurudi (Circulation/going around)

Mlolongo wa mambo (Sequence of things)

Mzunguko wa magari (Car circulation)

Jambo la muhimu (Something important)

Nzuri kabisa (Very good)

“Good” or “well.” Used to say something is nice or someone is doing fine.

“Very good” or “awesome.” Double intensifier combining Darija and Arabic.

What Nama (Question)

Warrior mother

Hero mother

Pessoa generosa (Generous person)

Hand in hand

Literally 'light hands,' used to describe someone with a tendency to steal (a light-fingered thief)

Labor pride

Extension capillaire (Hair extension)

Highlights

Mère active (Active mother)

Mère courageuse (Courageous mother)

Mère entrepreneure (Mother entrepreneur)

La mère travaille (Mother works)

Mechanic

Mécanicien (Mechanic)

Réparateur auto (Mechanic)

Mécanicien du Nigeria

Trusted mechanic

Mécanisation agricole (Agricultural mechanization)

Mean/nasty