Browse African Slang

Wadudu/viumbe wadogo (Insects/small creatures)

Ujira/malipo ya siku (Wage/daily payment)

Slang for street-smart folks (literally “clever ones”).

Wakati/muda (Time/period)

Wakati wowote/muda wowote (Anytime/any moment)

Rice

Wali na mchuzi (Rice with sauce)

Wali uliopikwa na nazi (Rice cooked with coconut)

Walima/karamu ya harusi (Wedding feast)

Wallahi/naapa (I swear/oath)

Wanyamapori/wanyama wa msituni (Wild animals)

Rangi ya ua (Rose color)

Askari/mpiganaji (Warrior/fighter)

Warsha/mafunzo ya vitendo (Workshop/practical training)

Light up or turn on (commonly “washa moto” = start drama/energy).

Turn the light on, meaning be alert or wake up (especially in context of someone being clueless).

Washirikiano wa jamii (Community cooperation)

Hali ya kutokuwa na hakika (Worry state)

Wateja/wanunuzi (Customers/buyers)

You’re crazy/cool (depending on context, “noma” = craziness or trouble).

Programu ya mazungumzo (Chat application)

Kikundi cha WhatsApp (WhatsApp group)

Hali ya WhatsApp (WhatsApp status)

Whisky/kinywaji kali (Whisky/strong drink)

WiFi/mtandao wa hewani (WiFi/wireless network)

Wimbo/ngoma (Song/music)

Wimbo wa kitamaduni (Traditional song)

Wimbo wa kitaifa (National anthem)

Mshindi/mfaulu (Winner/successful)

Mwenye hekima (Wise person)

Wivu/husuda (Jealousy/envy)

Warsha ya mafunzo (Training workshop)

Kushindana/mchezo wa nguvu (Wrestling/strength sport)