Browse African Slang

Générosité (Generosity)

Sister

SIDA (AIDS)

Homem em Papel (Man in Papel)

Ukingoni/mpakani (At the border)

Uko dufashanya (How we help each other)

Uko dukorana (How we work together)

Uko dutinyuka (How we progress)

Una bahati (You're lucky)

“Are you sure?” often said with playful doubt.

Sarcastic for 'you're just fine' meaning you think you're so smart but you're not. Often used after someone says somethi...

Uko tubaho (How we live)

Uko twubahana (How we respect each other)

Uko zivuga izo (Supply and demand)

Comorianité (Comorianness)

Ukoo/familia kubwa (Clan/big family)

Mavazi ya mtindo fulani (Certain style clothing)

Maternal lineage

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

Manque/Pénurie (Lack/Shortage)

Lack of opportunities

Lack of work

Kuhlambuluka ngemitsi (Cleansing with medicine)

Indlela yenhlonipho (Way of respect)

Ukukhothama (Respect dance)

Petite guitare (Small guitar)

Ukumbi/nafasi kubwa (Hall/big space)

Ukungu/wingu jeupe (Fog/white cloud)

Kukhuluma nelabangasekho (Speaking to ancestors)

Zulu for 'hustling' or 'foraging for opportunities'. Phanda is often used to mean making ends meet through any hustle. E...

Ukuri (Truth)

Ukuri kwihuse kunywera hejuru (Hidden truth drinks from above - truth eventually surfaces)

Ukusina (Traditional dance)

Ukuta/kizuizi (Wall/barrier)

(Xhosa/Zulu, 'to carry away') A traditional term referring to an old practice of bride abduction or elopement. In modern...

Kuba sangoma (Becoming sangoma)

Ukuvuga utarebera ni ukuvuga mu ijuru (Speaking without looking is speaking to the sky - communication needs attention)

Ukweli/maneno ya kweli (Truth/true words)

Ukwemera (Faith/belief)

Local urban term for home-brew or bootleg alcohol. Often used for potent traditional brews.

Très blessé (Deeply hurt)

Honra e respeito (Honor and respect)

Alcoolisme (Alcoholism)

Ulezi/nafaka (Millet type/grain)

Spring protection

Wildlife protection

Joblessness; being broke" (Chichewa slang)

ألتيميت - القدرة النهائية (ultimate ability)

ألتيميت أبيليتي - قدرة نهائية (ultimate power)

ألتيميت ويزدوم - حكمة نهائية (ultimate wisdom)