Baas

Is the better thing you could be. your best try and your will to be the best.

The female equivalent of “waryaa,” meaning “Hey, woman!” Often considered impolite if used toward women.

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

“Dad” / “Mom.” Used as affectionate address for an older man or woman, or as a sympathetic/affectionate term.

Diaspora slang. Calling someone “Garoe” (after the city Garoowe) is a light joke implying they are a “villager” or fresh…

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

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.

“Uncle/Auntie.” Used not only for actual relatives but to respectfully address older men (adeer) and older women (eedo).

(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)