Browse African Slang

Means "my kid" or "my boy," referring to one's son or a young boy. "Laaitie" (pronounced like "lighty") is slang for a y...

Nome carinhoso para chapa/transporte público (Affectionate name for public transport)

My friend/Brother (My guy)

An affectionate slang term meaning "my old man," referring to one's father. "Ou toppie" literally means old toppie (old ...

My family/Friends (My folks/Crew)

Hometown/Origin (My homeland)

(SA English slang) A phrase to describe one's special someone – the partner who truly gets you. Saying 'you're my person...

Me too; I also

محطم الأساطير (Myth buster)

Légende (Myth)

Mytho (Liar/lie)

Menteur (Liar)

Ethnie côtière (Coastal ethnic group)

Mzabibu/mti wa zabibu (Grape vine/grape tree)

Mzazi (Parent / old person)

Cousin/friend.

My close cousin homie.

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 anayezaa/anayeongeza (Person who reproduces/increases)

Elder; old man (respectful)

Mzee (Elder - from Swahili)

Vieux/Ancien (Old person/Elder)

Ancien respecté (Respected elder)

Kiongozi wa kijiji (Village elder)

Government elder

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

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

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)

Mtu mweupe / Mzungu (White person / foreigner)

Mzungu/mtu mweupe (White person/light person)

Mzunguko/kurudi kurudi (Circulation/going around)

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.

The marketplace

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

Volo fanampiny / Hair extension

Highlights

Mère active (Active mother)