Browse African Slang

Nome colonial de Huambo (Colonial name of Huambo)

New era

Drama televisivo popular (Popular TV drama)

Novelas (Soap opera)

Frère/sœur cadet (Younger sibling)

Novia posesiva (Possessive girlfriend)

Novio que solo da dinero (Boyfriend who only gives money)

Jovem / recente (Young / new)

Ahora mismo (Right now)

Now now (Right now)

Now then (Now and then)

Right now/Immediately (This instant)

Nowhere (No place)

A term from African languages referring to cultural concepts or everyday objects.

An African term starting with the prefix 'no', which commonly indicates a noun class in Bantu languages. The root 'xeqa'...

إلى اللقاء (Goodbye - Pulaar)

Groupe d'amis proches (Close friend group)

Unozala is a Xhosa slang term that means mother.

Noël (Christmas)

A term from African languages referring to cultural concepts or everyday objects.

Ukunqanqatheka is a Xhosa term for cigarette or tobacco cravings. When one is craving a cigarette, we say unqanqathekile...

A term from African languages referring to cultural concepts or everyday objects.

A term from African languages referring to cultural concepts or everyday objects.

Let's go already

Let's go; suggesting departure

Vin de palme distillé (Distilled palm wine) - région Kouilou

Ritual cleansing

Vin de palme (Palm wine)

Slang for sandals/flip-flops (reduplication for fun). Usage: Amemi nsanda-nsanda na soirée – He showed up in flip-flops ...

Jealousy; envy" (Chichewa)

Rattle

Under the earth

نسيتك (I forgot you)

Oferenda aos ancestrais (Offering to ancestors)

Means “rice” in Kinshasa slang (common staple). Sometimes used metaphorically for basic food.

انشالله خير (Hopefully good)

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

Poulet (Chicken)

Bebida tradicional fermentada (Traditional fermented drink)

Cheveux (Hair)

Slang for “witch” or “wizard” (sorcerer), but youth call any sneaky person this humorously.

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