Browse Namibia Slang

Good morning Nama (Morning greeting)

God Nama (Divine)

Regular job routine (Daily work)

Ancestors (Forefathers)

Kwambi people (Subgroup)

Our Owambo people (Our tribe)

Surprise (Shock)

Ou wat altyd after party hou (Person who always hosts after party)

No (Disagreement)

Future sound (Advanced music)

Thank you Nama (Gratitude)

Wake up device (Morning bell)

Music trend (SA influence)

I/Me Kwangali (Self)

Spiritual summons (Traditional calling)

Small southern town (Rural town)

Ndapandula / please (Please)

School gathering (Morning meeting)

Expression for jaw-dropping shock (like “what?!”)" ("Namlish (vernacular slang)")

Desert town (Remote settlement)

Often said as 'Aweh!', this versatile expression means everything from 'hello' to 'cool' to 'I agree'

Nawa mukwetu wanye (Hello my friend)

An enthusiastic greeting or expression of agreement, like 'cool!' or 'right on!' Originally Cape Coloured slang, caught ...

A hangover from alcohol. Commonly used across Namibia and South Africa (spelled babalas in SA)

Youngest child (Last born)

Ambient sound (Environmental audio)

Negative energy (Bad luck)

Negative feeling (Unhappy state)

A pickup truck. In Namibia a bakkie is any small open-back truck, widely used by farmers and city folks alike

Perfect BBQ weather (Perfect grilling weather)

Your decision (Your move)

No Lozi (Refusal)

People Lozi (Humans)

Fit physique (Summer shape)

Coastal platform (Sand venue)

Geld vir mooi wees (Money for being beautiful)

Sleep time (Night rest)

Artist's story (Background info)

A humoristic term for a young guy who dates much older women (a 'toy boy'). Taken from the cartoon 'Ben 10' about a boy

Reserve player (Substitute)

Oruske / rusk (Rusk / hard biscuit)

Historic southern village (Old settlement)

Improved unity (Enhanced pair)

Major opportunity (Success chance)

Congratulations/praise (Recognition)

Dried meat (jerky), a popular snack. Youth might use it in jokes or nicknames (e.g. calling someone biltong if they're t...

Birthday atmosphere (Celebration mood)

Geld stuur vir familie (Sending money to family)

Fault finding (Accusation cycle)

Close as siblings (Brother bond)