Wallahi

“I swear to God,” used for emphasis.

Uqsim billah (I swear by God)

Literally 'By God.' Used by Nigerien youth in any language to swear or emphasize sincerity. It's like saying 'honestly' or 'I swear to God' about some…

Swear to God; used to emphasize truthfulness

Wallahi (I swear by God)

والله (By God/I swear)

والله - ብኣላህ (By God/I swear)

Wallahi/naapa (I swear/oath)

I swear by God (Arabic) - Used for emphasis

والله - أقسم بالله (I swear by God)

والله (By God)

I swear by God (I swear by God)

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 …

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

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

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

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

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

Stereotypical Somali first names (for men and women respectively) that Somali diasporans sometimes use jokingly to refer…

(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)