Toubab
πΈπ³
Senegal
Added July 16, 2025
Add a definition for "Toubab"
TOP DEFINITION
West African slang (used in Mali as tubabu) for a white person or foreigner. It's not derogatory per se; originally from Bambara and Wolof, kids might shout 'Toubab!' when they see foreigners.
"Toubab be nyΙ ko tera! (The foreigner is buying water over there!)"
Like in Mali and Senegal, Mauritanians use toubab to mean a white person or Westerner. In Hassaniya Arabic they might say nΔsΔrΔ too, but 'toubab' is understood from Wolof/Bambara influence. Kids in Nouakchott's streets might yell it when spotting tourists.
"Yow, toubab! Bonzour! (Hey foreigner, bonjour!) β a playful greeting to a foreigner."
A foreigner or white person (descriptive) (Origin: Wolof/Senegalese)
"Le nouveau prof est un toubab de France"
Foreigner or white person (from Wolof; descriptive term for a Westerner).
"Le nouveau prof est un toubab de France (The new teacher is a white person from France)."
Foreigner or white person (from Wolof; descriptive term for a Westerner). It's not derogatory in intent
"Le nouveau prof est un toubab de France (The new teacher is a white person from France)."
πΈπ³ More Senegal Slang
Browse all Senegal slangβοΈ More from Khulekani Dladla
- Bolingo
- Metropolitan πΈπΈ
- Urban jungle πΈπΈ
- City life πΈπΈ
- Capital vibes πΈπΈ