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) 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

• Used especially in the Gambia and Senegal.

Synonyms

• See Thesaurus:white person

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

• babtou