mwana ya zamba
The English word 'bastard' is translated into Lingala as mwana ya zamba.
mwana ya zamba is used as an insult to describe someone who is considered low-life or contemptible.
Meaning: contemptible etc. person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'child of the forest'. The part ya zamba means 'of the forest'.
Did you know?
- In the Congolese imagination, the zamba or 'forest' is often viewed as a wild, lawless place outside the order of the village. Calling someone a mwana ya zamba implies they lack the social upbringing and moral discipline of a civilized community.
- Depending on the tone and relationship between speakers, calling someone a mwana ya zamba can occasionally be used as a sharp, teasing joke among very close friends, though it remains risky.
- The word mwana in this phrase was borrowed from the Bangi language.
Examples in context
- Omoni mwana ya zamba oyo?Do you see that bastard?
- Eza mwana ya zamba mpenza.He is truly a bastard.
Example conversation
A nurse is scolding a difficult patient.
- ClarisseTika kokata nzela, mwana ya zamba!Stop interrupting, you bastard!
- PatientKani loba na ngai boye.Don't talk to me like that.
- ClarisseOkotika kokaka mwa moke.You need to stop acting up a bit.
- PatientNazali mbeba te.I am not a bad person.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mwana, ya, zamba, CC BY-SA 4.0.
