Browse African Slang

Umuganuro (Sorghum festival)

Umugati (Bread)

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

Umugenzi mwiza (Good companion)

Umugenzuzi (Controller/inspector)

Umugezi (River)

Umugisha (Blessing)

Umugisha utegerejwe uba muto (An awaited blessing is small - expectations diminish joy)

Umugore (Woman/wife)

Umugore wanje (My wife)

Umugoroba (Evening)

Umugurisha (Seller)

Umuguzi (Buyer)

Umuhahirizi (Negotiator)

Umuhamirizo (Celebration dance)

Umuhanda (Road)

Umuhango (Ceremony)

Umuhango wo gushimira (Thanksgiving ceremony)

Umuhanzi (Artist)

Umuhate (Effort)

Umuhoro w'ukuri (Knife of truth - honest person)

Umuhungu (Boy)

Umuhungu w'abandi (Others' child - adopted)

Umuhungu w'inyana ntiyibagirwa mu rugendo (A calf's son isn't forgotten on the journey - family bonds persist)

Umujinya (Anger/wrath)

Umukazana (Daughter-in-law)

Umukene (Poor person)

Umukerarugendo (Tourist)

Umukinnyi (Player)

Umukinnyi wa film (Actor)

Umukino (Game/sport)

Umukobwa (Girl)

Umukobwa mwiza aravuga (A beautiful girl speaks - beauty has influence)

Umukobwa w'abandi (Others' daughter - adopted)

Umukoresha (Employer)

Umukoro (School bag)

Umukozi (Worker/employee)

Umukunzi (Boyfriend/girlfriend)

Umukuru w'abakozi (HR manager)

Umukwe (Newlywed)

Umumaro (Heritage/legacy)

Umunani (Friend/companion)

In African slang, Umuncu refers to a concept or object specific to local culture.

Umunezero (Joy)

Umunezero w'igitsina utuwamo umwijima (Joy of foolishness contains darkness - foolish pleasures have consequences)

Umunezero w'urugo (Family joy)

Umunsi mukuru (Big day/holiday)

Umunsi mwiza (Good day)

Umunsi w'ababyeyi (Parents' day)

Umunsi w'abagore (Women's day)