Bwana

Pro Tip 1/3

East African Usage

Used commonly in East African countries to address someone in authority or respect.

Yes, bwana, I will get that done right away.

Pro Tip 2/3

Hierarchical Implication

Conveys hierarchy, referring to someone higher in position, status, or power.

All decisions must be approved by the bwana of the project.

Pro Tip 3/3

Colonial Echoes

Bwana can evoke the history of colonialism, so it should be used with awareness of its past.

He jokingly called his friend 'bwana' to mock the old colonial attitudes.