bwana

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

Big boss, important person.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

It is Jim C.’s custom always to say “Up Simba” in a fake-deep bwana voice as he hefts the camera to his right shoulder […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “bwana” mean?

Big boss, important person.

Is “bwana” formal or informal?

bwana is generally slang.