booliis
The Somali word for police is booliis.
booliis refers to a local or general law enforcement agency.
Meaning: local or general law enforcement agency (noun)
Did you know?
- In certain contexts, calling someone a booliis can be used colloquially as a way to call them a 'snitch' or a 'tell-tale'.
- In some traditional Somali contexts, community disputes are settled by xeer (customary law) rather than the booliis.
- Because the term booliis entered the language during the colonial era, it is recognized across different Somali dialects regardless of whether the region was influenced by Italy or Britain.
Examples in context
- Booliis ayaa wada jooga.The police are all standing there.
Example conversation
Abdirashid and Nimco see a police car driving by.
- AbdirashidNimco, ma aragtay booliis?Nimco, did you see the police?
- NimcoHaa, Abdirashid, waan arkay.Yes, Abdirashid, I saw them.
- AbdirashidMa booliis baa halkaas jooga?Is the police there?
- NimcoHaa, booliis ayaa halkan jooga.Yes, the police are here.
