Adeer / Eedo

Refer to Islamic attire (jilbaab = full covering, niqo = face veil). Among youth, sometimes feature in jokes or slang ph…

“Sibling”, but used as a friendly address like “brother/sister.” Everyday term of goodwill.

Khat, the mildly narcotic leaf chewed socially in the Horn of Africa. In Somali slang, jaad (or qaad) is often talked ab…

“I swear to God.” An emphatic expression used constantly for emphasis or to assert truthfulness.

Literally “sweet.” Used as a term of endearment like “sweetheart” or “dear.”

An attention-getting call meaning 'Hey, you!' (addressed to a man). It's a very common Somali interjection to hail someo…

Literally “market kids.” Describes street-smart rascals or troublemaking youth who hang around in the streets.

Somali slang for pasta, reflecting the Italian influence. Refers to the pasta dish with tomato sauce that’s a staple in …

(Lingala) The word for 'love' in Lingala, a language spoken in D.R. Congo. It's often hear…

Umgidi (traditional ceremony)

Shower yemwenga (bridal shower)

Pati yevakomana (bachelor party)

Nhaurirano dzeroora (lobola negotiations)