Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mzungu

Noun
/mzuːŋɡuː/
Definition
A term used in East Africa to refer to a white person or foreigner, often especially a European.
Examples
  • When traveling in Kenya, you may often hear locals calling out to tourists as mzungus.
  • The mzungu seemed fascinated by the local culture and traditions.
Meaning
The word ‘mzungu’ has its roots in Swahili and is commonly used in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It can denote someone who is not native to the African continent and is sometimes associated with tourists or expatriates.
Synonyms
  • Foreigner
  • White person
  • European