Browse African Slang

Wamb (To dance - Mooré)

Informal term meaning “crazy” or wild (possibly from umbundo or just fun word). Usage: Ele dirigiu a 200? Esse gajo é wa...

Stereotype joke meaning being habitually late (as attributed to Ovambo culture). Wambo-time means not punctual, running ...

Wame (To dance)

“Sometimes a madman has seen war” – even a fool can be right (proverb)" (Chichewa)

Literally 'of milk,' a Chewa idiom meaning 'blessed' or 'lucky' (as if life has been sweet and nurturing). Used for some...

Welcome (isiXhosa).

Wamnyonyez - kitendo cha kula kitu tamu (Lick it - act of enjoying something sweet)

Oh my; wow

Good/nice (Somali)

Wanda (To wonder/be surprised)

S'étonner (Be amazed)

Envie de voyager (Wanderlust)

روح التجوال (Wanderlust soul)

Wango (Mask)

Means “my friend” or “my dear” in Shona (literally “mine”). Often used in conversation for emphasis or affection.

Wanka kunywa amata ugatuka inka (You refuse to drink milk then insult the cow - ingratitude)

Un seul en Dioula (Only one in Dioula)

Desire/Wish (Want it)

Want think thing (Expression)

People Kwangali (Humans)

Wanyamapori/wanyama wa msituni (Wild animals)

You spoiled/ruined it" (Chichewa)

Exclamation (Wow)

Precious; valuable (often for people: 'dear one')" (Chichewa)

Wapfuye nta mushaha (You died without an heir - legacy matters)

Grand cerf (Large deer)

Stop

واقف (Stand tall)

It seems/apparently

Time

When

When

Long time

Hot period/season

Hurry up/quickly

Get out of here (disbelief)

Hey man (attention getter)

War peace (Conflict resolution)

Behind; back

Wara (Lion society)

Waraba (Hyena dance)

ورقة (Bill / note)

Local gin

Aragi baladi (Local gin)

Playing cards

Did you hear the news?

Waraye mu nzira ntiwamenya ingene zubatswe (You slept on the road, you don't know how it's built - experience teaches)

Warba (Money - slang)

Ward (Electoral ward)