Learn English – South African Slang “Nu”

nicknamesslangsouth-african-english

Any idea what Nu means when someone uses it as a nickname for someone else in South Africa?

Best Answer

I don't want to upset OP, but oxforddictionaries has...

nunu also noonoo Pronunciation: /ˈnuːnuː/
South African INFORMAL
An insect, spider, worm, or similar small creature:
the box gives protection against worms and other nunus

from Zulu inunu 'horrible object or animal'

And here's someone who knows that, commenting on the usage as an informal/affectionate term...

So, girls, if your boyfriend uses nunu in its lighter meaning, as a term of endearment and affection, think again - his motives might be sinister!

I can't think of an equivalent English term offhand, but French mon petit chou (my little cabbage) comes to mind.

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