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Define Dictionary Meaning - True Words & Their Meanings
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Mzungu

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  • Justin Bieberundefined Offline
    Justin Bieberundefined Offline
    Justin Bieber
    wrote on last edited by admin
    #1

    In Swahili (the lingua franca of East Africa): someone who wanders without purpose / someone constantly on the move.
    It came to be applied to all white people in East Africa, as most were encountered as traders, visiting colonial officials or tourists.
    Today, white tourists are often greeted (especially by children) with the cry: Bye bye mzungu!
    For some reason, they rarely say Hello mzungu! when they see one coming...

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    • Kitundefined Offline
      Kitundefined Offline
      Kit
      wrote on last edited by
      #2

      A Swahili word meaning a white person.

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      • Camiundefined Offline
        Camiundefined Offline
        Cami
        wrote on last edited by admin
        #3

        The Swahili word, ‘mzungu’ or ‘muzungu’ (sounds like “muh-zun-gooo”) is generally taken to mean ‘white man’, although it does apply to women as well.
        It can also mean some sort of ‘boss’, whether you are male or female, black, brown or white!
        Originally stems from the phrase, “those who wonder aimlessly”, and linked to African experiences of early explorers, traders and missionaries.
        In itself mzungu is not a derogatory or negative term. Although it can appear aggressive or negative if accompanied with requests for money.

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        • Tanya Shivariundefined Offline
          Tanya Shivariundefined Offline
          Tanya Shivari
          wrote on last edited by admin
          #4

          Muzungu is a word from the languages of Kinyarwanda and Kirundi meaning white person (pl. bazungu). It is closely related to the Kiswahili word mzungu, with which it is often confused by Westerners. A derivative is the derogatory kazungu meaning little white person.

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          • Marquettaundefined Offline
            Marquettaundefined Offline
            Marquetta
            wrote on last edited by
            #5

            an African swahili word that means a white person, also used to describe white, caucasian women.
            Mzungu is seen as something favourable.

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            • Mernaundefined Offline
              Mernaundefined Offline
              Merna
              wrote on last edited by
              #6

              Any disgusting whitish substance that gradually accretes at an office as a consequence of an unhygienic person working there for way too long.

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              • Camiundefined Offline
                Camiundefined Offline
                Cami
                wrote on last edited by
                #7

                (in East Africa) a white person.

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