Browse Senegal Slang

Means “no problem” or “it’s not important” (literally “it has no significance”).

“Sorry” or “excuse me” (literally “forgive me”). Used to apologize or get someone’s attention.

Refers to the Baye Fall, a sub-group of the Mouride brotherhood known for their dreadlocks and patchwork clothes. In sla...

Owner, used as respectful title like chief (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Literally “taxi owner,” meaning a taxi driver (respectful address).

A small shop owner; often youth say “borom butik” (owner of the shop) to refer to them.

To go to the toilet (use the cabin) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

To have stinky feet (smell like cheese) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Sound expressing shock or surprise (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Used for 'that/it.' Also forms the verb 'to be': Da me (It's me), Da na me (That is mine).

So or then, inserted in speech as transition (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

To show off at a party, dress flashy (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

A pretty young girl (lit. floppy disk) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

A Wolof/Senegalese proverb warning against interfering in someone else's love affair. If you badmouth someone's beloved,...

To wait for a long time (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

“No” (strong no).

No (Wolof word for no) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

To drop or fail (like a class or exam), used by students.

A Wolof term for a resourceful hustler or self-reliant person who makes ends meet despite hardships. Being a gorgorlou i...

God willing

“Thank you.” A common Wolof expression of thanks, often used even when speaking French.

“Thank you.” Commonly used among Wolof speakers even if French is also spoken.

Gossip or rumor (also spelled *lewtou*).

Tall (used instead of grand) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

I am here only - I am doing well (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Anyway or to emphasize a point (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Late afternoon/evening greeting, often used to mean “good evening.”

Wolof expression meaning “we are together.” Similar in sentiment to on est ensemble, used to show solidarity or agreemen...

To chill or relax, literally to rest (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Literally “we are together,” used in Senegal too as a friendly farewell or solidarity phrase.

(Wolof) Literally 'my heart.' A term of endearment in Wolof to call someone one's love. Similar to saying 'my heart, my ...

Refers to a type of twisting hairstyle also known as “Senegalese twists.” Among youth, mentioning someone’s got **Sénéga...

Refers to Senegalese twist braids, a popular hairstyle.

A street kid or young beggar student (originally meaning student of Quranic school).

Book, but youth use it for any written material (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

The spirit of hospitality, generosity, and solidarity in Senegalese culture. More than just hospitality, it is a core va...

A handsome guy or playboy (lit. prized fish) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

West African slang (used in Mali as tubabu) for a white person or foreigner. It's not derogatory per se; originally from...

A colloquial mix of Wolof and French meaning 'toubab girl,' used to playfully refer to a foreign woman. Toubab alone mea...

A phrase combining Wolof and Arabic, roughly 'hospitality and peace.' It reflects Senegal's reputation for peace and wel...

Yes (Wolof word commonly used) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Dude or mate, used to address a friend (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

Money (literally means “money” in Wolof, used widely in Senegalese slang talk).

Friend or buddy (close friend) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

The practice of skin bleaching, used as slang to refer to someone who has bleached their skin.

Hope. Often used in everyday talk and part of many local proverbs and songs, reflecting optimism

“How are you doing?” (casual greeting, similar to *ça va*).

Are you enjoying life? (casual greeting) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)

An exclamation meaning “oh wow” or expressing disbelief (literally “mother, father”).

“To be down (from work),” meaning the workday is finished.