Browse African Slang

Nshimirimana (I thank God - common name)

Nshuti (Friend)

Nshuti magara (True friend)

Colar tradicional (Traditional necklace)

After life

“We forgot,” often used collectively to shrug off something. Usage: Nsina darna l devoir… oh well, hope the teacher does...

I forgot

Small fish

Medicinal clay

Bebida tradicional fermentada (Traditional fermented drink)

“Shoes” (from French *semelle* mispronounced), used to refer to sneakers especially.

Nta kibazo (No problem)

Nta mahoro atagira intambwe (No peace without steps - progress requires effort)

Literally “are you engaged?”, slang tease if a guy is on the phone too long with a girl or acting whipped. Usage: Wow, c...

Nta munwa udashaka kurya (No mouth that doesn't want to eat - everyone has needs)

Nta mwana uhemukira nyina ku ijosi (No child rebels against mother at the breast - don't bite the hand that feeds)

Nta wuhera inyuma (No one left behind)

Chèvre (Goat)

Pit-roasted goat

Ntakibazo (No problem)

Slang for *big butt* or booty (from Bemba maybe).

Ntang (White person)

Persona blanca, extranjero (White person, foreigner)

Temps, moment (Time, moment)

Five (Hand)

Ntate (Father/Sir)

Grandfather / Elder (Grandfather)

Ntatemogolo (Grandfather)

Slang for a driver or chauffeur. Usage: Mopila na biso akomi kaka – Our driver just arrived, let’s go.

Pays, terre en myènè (Country, land in Myene)

Mfalme wa Kisukuma (Sukuma king)

Tempo / clima (Weather / climate)

Ritual de iniciação feminina (Female initiation ritual)

Processo de curtir peles de animais (Process of tanning animal hides)

“Thingy” or whatchamacallit (casual way to refer to an object).

Personne, homme en fang (Person, man in Fang)

Nti sɛn? (So what?) - Expression of indifference

Literally 'dog,' it's used like 'dawg' in English – to refer to a friend in a playful, macho way

Marijuana/Weed (Cannabis)

Poitrine (Chest)

Ntomo (Youth society)

Matin (Morning)

Ntoya (Small)

Ntshe (Ostrich)

Slang for school or class (like “chik” as in chalk maybe).

Ntsu (Eagle)

Ntswa e fisa seatleng (Louse burns in palm)

Ntwa (War/Fight)

Ntwa kgolo ke ya molomo (The biggest war is of the mouth)

Ntwana (Guy/Dude)