Browse African Slang

Colloquial for “kid” or “dude.” Can be friendly or insulting depending on tone.

ولا حاجة - Nothing

Means “or what?” often added at end of question for emphasis. Usage: You’re coming with us, wala eyh? (Implying they rea...

“Nothing,” used to dismiss something as unimportant.

Emphatic “no way” or “absolutely not.”. Usage: Me, go out in this heat? Wala la, I’m staying in the AC.

ولا ولا (Or or / neither)

Walaa ko waawi (There's nothing he/she can do)

والله (I swear to God)

I swear by God (Arabic-Somali mix) - strong oath

Sibling/brother/sister (Somali)

Come brother/sister

Come brothers/sisters

ولد - Boy/Son

Bonne santé (Good health)

I swear by Allah (I swear)

Expression de surprise (Expression of surprise)

Ka kɛ sababu ye, pour que (In order to, so that)

An exclamation meaning “No way!” or “Don’t mention it,” depending on context.

Je jure devant Dieu (I swear before God)

Walaï (I swear - Arabic)

Je jure (I swear)

I swear/really

Walge (To boil)

Rice

Governor

Riz cuit (Cooked rice)

Wali na mchuzi (Rice with sauce)

Wali na nazi (Rice with coconut)

ዋልያ/ዋልያ (Walia)

والد، أب (Father)

Father figure who embodies protection and provision; Algerian fathers may seem strict but 'galb walid' (father's heart) ...

والدة، أمي العزيزة (Mother, my dear mom)

الوالدة العزيزة - الأم الحبيبة (beloved mother)

Mother - the emotional center of Algerian family; her prayers protect, her cooking heals, and her anger is more feared t...

Wedding feast

Walima/karamu ya harusi (Wedding feast)

Pas de professeurs (No teachers)

Extra teachers

Our teachers

መራመድ/መራመድ (Meramed) - to walk

Walk walk (Keep walking)

Cidade caminhável (Walkable city)

ዋኪ ቶኪ/ዋኪ ቶኪ (Walkie talkie) - walkie talkie

Walkie talkies (Chicken feet and heads)

Omaulu gondjuxwa / chicken parts (Chicken heads and feet)

First steps/Mobile (Walking)

Constant loser

Constant winner

Ou wat altyd loop (Person who always walks)

ዎኪንግ ሲቲ - እግረኛ ከተማ (Walking city - Pedestrian city)