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)

  1. (West Africa, Central Africa) white person (used especially in Gambia and Senegal).

Synonyms

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)

  1. (West Africa) white person
    Synonym: babtou
    Hypernyms: blanc, homme blanc

Derived terms
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