Peer
Peer means lwaki(singler) or lwagi( plural)
Slangs and nicknames for peers in Lango language, like in many cultures are often based on personal traits, shared experiences, or affectionate teasing. These terms can serve to strengthen bonds among friends or signify membership within a particular group or community.
Here are some general types of slangs and nicknames that might be used among peers;-
Lango | English | Meaning |
Lwaka/olwagi | agemate/agemates | Is used to call a person of the same age or same age bracket. |
Akengpur | Dwarf | A person of unusual short stature. |
Jarawee | Adolescent | A young person in the process of developing from childhood into adulthood. |
Amuka | Youth | A person in the period between childhood and maturity. |
Abini | Newcomer | Is used to refer to newcomers in a place or school. |
Agal | Girl | Is used to call a girl whom you don't know her name. |
Amama | Mother | Is used to call a girl who was named after a mother or grandmother. |
Ababa | Father | Is used to call a boy who was named after a father or grandfather. |
Ikira | Namesake | Is used to call a person who has the same name with another person. |
Ocuc/Ocol | Black | Is used to call a person who is very dark skinned. |
Olin | Slender | Is used to refer to a person who is very slender. |
Munu | Brown | Is used to refer to a person who is very light skinned. |
Ojuk | Primitive | Is used to call a person who is too backward or primitive. |
Apoti | Copycat | Is used to call a person who doesn't mind his/her business. |
Abigibogo | Weakling | A slow thinker. |
Aboiboi | Weakling | A lazy person. |
Angudi | Loggerheaded | A person who always strongly disagrees with someone. |
Alongo | A person with hydrocele | A person suffering from hydrocele. |
Nicknames Based on Personal Traits:
These can include physical characteristics, personality traits, or behaviors.
For example;-
Lango | English | Meaning |
Achonye | Primitive | A person who is backward. |
Acupe | Instigator | A person who provokes other people. |
Idwali | Betrayer | A person who is not loyal. |
Amero | Drunkard | |
Olade | Tired | A person whose appearance is always tired or exhausted. |
Awie otal | Bald headed | A person who has little or no hair on the head. |
Awie apam | A man with a full head of hair | A man with much hair on the head. |
Icwicwi | Go-getter | A person who is so determined to achieve something. |
Aoi | A trouble maker | A person who causes unpleasantness. |
Acilam | Islam | A person who is an islam |
Olongkole | Saved person | A person who is saved from evil. |
Kwarakwara | Imposter | A person who falsely claims to be, feel or do something. |
Adwek | A reconciliator or mediator | A person who reunites people or situations. |
Nicknames Derived from Animals or Objects: Drawing parallels between a friend's traits and those of an animal or object is common.
For instance;-
Lango | English | Meaning |
Adwar | A hunter or researcher. | A person who hunts wild animals for food. |
Okello obago | Okello edible rat | A person who is found of eating edible rats. |
Dyang gaji | Freshian cow | A huge person. |
Opio ngengec | Monitor lizard | A person with a rough skin. |
Okello abwor/engatu | Lion | A fearless person. |
Affectionate Terms: Terms of endearment that reflect the closeness between individuals. Words that can be used affectionately among peers to refer to each other, emphasizing the familial or close-knit nature of their relationship.
For example;-
Lango | English | Meaning |
Alyek | Darling | A person very dear to another. |
Mara na | My love | A person with strong feelings of affection for another. |
Moo kica | My honey | Is used to call a person you care about and love. |
Apal cunya | Sweetheart | A person loved by another. |
Itao na | My heart | A person who has captured your love, affection and devotion. |
Acel na dang keken | My one and only | A person who is so unique to someone. |
Apai | Husband, wife | A person in love or relationship or marriage. |
Teasing or Playful Nicknames: These are often used in a light-hearted manner to tease friends about memorable incidents, mistakes, or humorous traits which reminds a person of the incident in a friendly way.
For example;-
Lango | English | Meaning |
Olindiri | Slender | A person who is or was very slender when growing. |
Obang munu | Second hand white person | A person of a mixed European and African ( half-caste) who was born and grew up in Uganda. |
Amony | A soldier | A strong person who is not easily injured and is able to deal with difficult or violent situation. |
Ojur | Soya porridge | A person who was in charge of the distribution of soya porridge flour. |
Amoo yao | Chocolate brown | A person who has a chocolate brown skin. |
Nicknames Based on Achievements or Roles: Achievements in academics, sports, or leadership can lead to nicknames like for a group leader, even if used informally and not related to their actual title.
For example;-
Lango | English | Meaning |
Ber idwogo | Good you are back. | A person who went to abroad and came back when he is rich after many years away. |
Awota | My friend | A person who is not an enemy. |
Ateka | Champion | A person who has surpassed all rivals in a competition. |
Apwony | Teacher | A person who was named after a teacher, or used ironically or affectionately for a friend who often assumes the role of the advisor or the wise one in the group, always ready with guidance or information. |
Padi | Priest | A person who was named after a priest . |
Terms of Respect: While these might be more formal, they can also be used among peers to show respect or acknowledge someone's position or achievements within the community.
Lango | English | Meaning |
Alamdog | A seer, a prophet or visionary | A person who prophesies future events. |
Imat | Old woman | Is used to refer to a girl who was named after a grandmother or an old woman. |
Oluma | Big person | Is used to refer to a person who is huge and very important. |
Alonyo | Rich | Is used to refer to a person who is rich. |
Adit | Big man | Is used to refer to a person who is an employer. |
Angwec/Ongwec | A runner | Is used to refer to a person who is a runner. |
Arot ping | A tourist, surveyor, explorer. | A person who is visiting or travelling to a new place for pleasure. |