15 Words of African Origin That Are Part of Everyday Brazilian Life

Did you know that many words of African origin have been incorporated into the Portuguese language and are more common than you might imagine? Let’s explore 15 of them and dive into the rich cultural influence behind these words.

The African Influence on the Portuguese Language

The Portuguese language is full of words with African origins that we use constantly in our daily lives. This influence is deeply tied to Brazil’s history, especially during the era of slavery when millions of Africans were brought to the country. Along with their labor, these individuals brought immense cultural wealth, including linguistic contributions that have endured to this day.

Today, Brazil is home to the largest population of African descendants outside Africa, with 54% of its population identifying as Afro-descendant, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). African religions such as Candomblé and Umbanda have also played a crucial role in preserving and spreading these linguistic elements, connecting people to their heritage and identity.

Let’s take a closer look at 15 African-origin words that have shaped Brazilian Portuguese and culture.

15 Words of African Origin

1. Dengo

Derived from Bantu languages (specifically Kikongo), dengo means more than just "childish whining" or "affection." It reflects a deep, ancestral yearning for comfort and connection amidst life’s hardships.

2. Cafuné

From Kimbundu, cafuné is the cherished act of gently scratching or stroking someone’s head.

3. Caçula

Also from Kimbundu, kazuli refers to the youngest or last-born in a family.

4. Moleque

Originating from Kimbundu (mu’leke), this word originally meant "small child" or "young boy." Over time, it developed pejorative connotations due to prejudice against African culture. Today, it can refer to mischievous kids or playful personalities.

5. Quitanda

From Kimbundu kitanda, this refers to a small shop or market selling fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, and eggs.

6. Fubá

From Bantu languages, fuba refers to flour made from corn or rice. It’s a key ingredient in Brazilian dishes, such as the beloved bolo de fubá (cornmeal cake).

7. Dendê

Derived from Kimbundu ndende, dendê (palm oil) is essential in Afro-Brazilian cuisine, used in dishes like vatapá and acarajé.

8. Cachaça

This iconic sugarcane spirit, central to Brazil’s caipirinha cocktail, has its name rooted in Kikongo. Cachaça’s production dates back to the colonial period and was deeply tied to the labor of enslaved Africans.

9. Axé

From Yoruba ase, axé embodies vital energy present in all living things, driving the universe. It is also used as a greeting or blessing.

10. Candomblé

This African-rooted religion’s name combines Kimbundu candombe ("drum dance") with Yoruba ilé or ilê ("house"), meaning "house of drum dances."

11. Macumba

Originally referring to a musical instrument used in African religious ceremonies, macumba has evolved to describe a Rio de Janeiro-based religion linked to Candomblé.

12. Muvuca

From Kikongo mvúka, this term means a noisy crowd or gathering for celebration or leisure.

13. Cuíca

This drum-like instrument, called pwita in Angola, produces sound by rubbing its internal stick with a damp cloth. It is iconic in samba and other Brazilian music genres.

14. Abadá

From Yoruba, abadá originally described ritual tunics. Today, it’s the name for the colorful shirts worn during Carnival blocos.

15. Cachimbo

From Kimbundu kixima, this word refers to a smoking pipe, commonly associated with traditional rituals and customs.

A Legacy Beyond Words

Without the incredible cultural and linguistic contributions of Africans in Brazil, our language and traditions would be far less vibrant and diverse. The words we’ve explored here are just a small part of the profound African heritage that permeates Brazilian life.

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