toubab

English

Etymology

The most likely earliest derivation is from the Wolof word for Europe, "Tougal". In the same way that Wolof means the people of Jollof, Toubab means the people of Tougal.

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /tu.bab/

Noun

toubab (plural toubabs)

(West Africa, Central Africa) A white person.

Usage notes

Used especially in the Gambia and Senegal.

Synonyms

See Thesaurus:white person

French

Etymology

Uncertain, possibly from Wolof tuubab, a corruption of toubib (“medic”). More at toubab.

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /tu.bab/

Noun

toubab m (plural toubabs)

(West Africa) white person
Synonym: babtou

Hypernyms: blanc, homme blanc

Derived terms

babtou

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