Browse Zambia Slang

Bemba/Nyanja slang for “father” or any respected older male, similar to “old man.”

Means “drunk” (completely inebriated) in Zambian slang.

Means to steal (as a verb) or can refer to an act of thievery. From “burglarize.”

Candid vernacular for an ignoramus or uncultured person (like “country bumpkin”).

Slang describing the wiggle of a big booty when walking (a vivid Copperbelt term).

A common term for a drunkard, often used humorously or derisively.

A playful phrase in hybrid language meaning “it’s just growing, baby”, used to dismiss worries (especially about money—i...

Famous slogan meaning Don't tell them (keep it secret)

Famous slogan meaning “Don’t tell them” (keep it secret). Originating from a political campaign, now used jokingly when ...

Dubai import

Another exclamation borrowed from South Africa, expressing dismay or disbelief (like “geez!”).

Means “girl” in local urban slang (from Nyanja/Chewa *msikana* but influenced by English “girl”). Often pronounced with ...

Slang for a girl or young woman (similar to saying “chick”).

Groundnuts (peanuts). It’s jokingly called “gunpowder” especially when pounded into powder form for peanut flour.

To go or leave (Nyanja slang – literally *“I have gone”* when used as “nagwamo”).

A slang verb meaning to suddenly become very rich or successful, as if by "hitting the jackpot." To hammer implies comin...

Very good / intense.

On the street this means a generator (play on the brand Honda, known for generators).

Slang phrase for “What time is it?” (common in Zambia to directly translate from local languages).

**(Vulgar)** A derogatory term for a prostitute or promiscuous woman (used in several Zambian languages, e.g., Nyanja).

Thing or matter (can refer to a person as *“my item”* meaning my girl/boyfriend, or just a thing).

To play music or have fun (same as English slang “jam session”).

Nickname for an extremely large loaf of bread or bun (because John Cena is big and “you can’t see it” once you finish ea...

A place or spot (like a bar or hangout).

Party / have fun; also "dating".

A freeloader or moocher who is always broke (literally “little louse”).

A hot girl (complimentary <a href="/word/slang" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Slang">slang</a>, often ...

A nickname for nshima (the staple maize meal) because of its thick pulp-like consistency.

A <a href="/word/bag" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Bag">bag</a> of money (implying a large amount of ...

Slang for a muscular guy or bodybuilder (named after Kabwata Gym in Lusaka, known for weightlifters).

<a href="/word/slang" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Slang">Slang</a> for male masturbation (very infor...

Bemba for a weakling or coward (literally something that limps).

A weightlifter or extremely muscular person (like one carrying heavy *peta*, weights).

A street hustler, tout or wheeler-dealer typically found in bus stations or markets (can be derogatory or just descripti...

A person of no substance, a joker or useless fellow (<a href="/word/can" class="internal-link" title="View definition of...

In Nyanja, kolopa means to sweep. As slang it implies clean sweep (to win everything)

Originally meaning a person from Copperbelt, it has come to signify a tough, street-smart person (sometimes embracing th...

From Nyanja meaning “to eat well,” <a href="/word/slang" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Slang">slang</a...

In the suburbs or posh residential areas (literally “at the yards”).

<a href="/word/slang" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Slang">Slang</a> for a bar (as in a place <a href=...

A playful Nyanja euphemism for masturbation, literally “to shake bananas” (often said in boys’ jokes).

*To fight* (from Bemba “ukutipa,” meaning to hit).

A derogatory term for an Indian person (from old <a href="/word/slang" class="internal-link" title="View definition of S...

Nice, good, pleasant (from Afrikaans “<a href="/word/lekker" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Lekker">lek...

Something top-tier or the best (reference to the Spanish La Liga, top division).

To give or hand over (e.g., money or something expected).

Types of dress shoes: *<a href="/word/long" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Long">long</a>-nose* are poi...

Slang for those sweet round buns sold by street vendors (word “Bono” possibly mimicking shape or brand).

Cartons of the traditional opaque beer (Chibuku Shake-Shake), called so because <a href="/word/they-come" class="interna...

Bottled beer (commercial lager) – *pint* referring to beer.