Mbaya definition 1
While it means 'bad' in standard Swahili, in slang it can mean 'cool/awesome' (similar to 'sick' in English).
"Hiyo ngoma ni mbaya sana! (That song is really awesome!)"
Mbaya definition 2
Literally “bad,” but slang “mbaya” can mean “very” in a good way (e.g. *safi mbaya* = really cool).
Mbaya definition 3
Bad or intense (can mean very good depending).
"Hiyo gari ni mbaya mbaya."
Mbaya definition 4
Mauvais (Bad)
"Wajua kupiga simu? - Do you know how to make a call?"
Mbaya definition 5
Mauvais (Bad) - Swahili
"Hali mbaya (Bad situation)"
Mbaya definition 6
Mbovu (Bad)
"Hali ni mbaya sana (The situation is very bad)"
Word Details
- Country
- 🇿🇦 South Africa
- Definitions
- 6 community definitions
- Added
- July 2025
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🇿🇦 About South Africa Slang
South African slang, from Cape Town to Johannesburg, mixes Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Sotho, and English into uniquely expressive township and street language.
KASINARY has 2661 South Africa slang words collected from native speakers.
Browse all South Africa slang (2661 words)🌍 "Mbaya" Across Africa
This word is also used in 3 other countries, sometimes with a different meaning.
🇿🇦 More South Africa Slang
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