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nagapie

From Afrikaans, literally 'little night monkey'.

ˈnæɡəpi179 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·May 3, 2026Globalcasual

From Afrikaans, literally 'little night monkey'. The mohol bushbaby (Galago moholi) is a tiny nocturnal primate found across southern Africa, famous for its enormous eyes, loud shrieking call, and ability to leap several metres between branches.

We heard a nagapie screaming in the marula tree long after the campfire died down.
For parents

"nagapie" means: From Afrikaans, literally 'little night monkey'. The mohol bushbaby (Galago moholi) is a tiny nocturnal primate found across southern Africa.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

"nagapie" means: From Afrikaans, literally 'little night monkey'. The mohol bushbaby (Galago moholi) is a tiny nocturnal primate found across southern Africa.... Register: neutral, standard English, usable in most everyday contexts. A common non-native mistake is to use the word in the wrong register, or to assume one fixed meaning when it is actually polysemous; always check the surrounding register and the audience before producing it yourself. In formal writing, prefer a neutral synonym or a short descriptive phrase, and use this word only when you have heard or read it being used naturally in a comparable context.

Source: Slangora editorial
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(South Africa) mohol bushbaby.

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For specific readers

"nagapie" means: From Afrikaans, literally 'little night monkey'. The mohol bushbaby (Galago moholi) is a tiny nocturnal primate found across southern Africa.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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