toubab
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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
Noun
toubab (plural toubabs)
- (West Africa, Central Africa) A white person.
- 2018, David Diop, chapter 10, in Anna Moschovakis, transl., At Night All Blood Is Black, London: Pushkin:
- Jean-Baptiste was my only real white friend in the trench. He was the only Toubab who came to console me after the death of Mademba Diop.
Usage notes
Synonyms
French
Etymology
Uncertain, possibly from Wolof tuubab, a corruption of toubib (“medic”). More at toubab.
Pronunciation
Noun
toubab m (plural toubabs)
- (West Africa) white person
- Synonym: babtou
- Hypernyms: blanc, homme blanc