Swahili
vijibwa
vee-JEE-bwah
How to say it
Swahilivijibwavee-JEE-bwahsoon
Englishlittle dogs, lackeyssoon
Frenchpetits chiens, laquaissoon
Meaning
Little dogs, and figuratively, lackeys or puppets who do another's bidding.
Good to know
plural of kijibwa (ki-/vi- class); the figurative sense (lackey/puppet) is derogatory slang used of people who blindly follow others.
Examples
- Vijibwa vidogo vilikuwa vikicheza uani.The little puppies were playing in the yard.
- Wapiga kura walimwita mwanasiasa yule na wafuasi wake vijibwa vya chama.Voters called that politician and his followers lackeys of the party.
- Vijibwa hivi vitahitaji chanjo mwezi ujao.These little dogs will need vaccinations next month.
- Je, unaona ni sawa kuwaita watu vijibwa kwa sababu tu ya kufuata kiongozi?Do you think it's fair to call people lackeys just for following a leader?
Not yet checked by a native speaker.