Meaning of Toubab (Tubaab)
In Gambia, as well as the rest of West Africa, the word means a white person, though this word can also describe a European / American of darker skin. This is not a derogatory statement,
simply a label meant to describe, though it is true that a certain
stigma is attached to this expression (see also “America”). As the
widely understood sentiment in The Gambia is that toubabs are rich,
expect cries of toubabs to be accompanied by pleas for money or
minties, from adults as well as children. Basically, if you are a
foreigner, and especially if you are light-skinned, expect to be
conspicuous in this country.
Origins:
It is not clear how white people came to be called toubab in
Gambia. Some say it is a corruption of the word Tabib which in
Arabic means doctor. Note: missionaries and doctors in the
imperial era were whites people from Europe.
The other
theory is that it is derived from the word "two bob" 2 shilling
coinage from the pre-decimalization period of British currency
when The Gambia was still colonised by Britain.
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