Ouagadougou

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A city that serves as the capital of Burkina Faso, situated in West Africa
2. Known for its vibrant culture and significant historical importance in the region
3. It is a hub of political and economic activity within the country

Etymology: Ouagadougou is the capital of Burkina Faso, and its name comes from the languages spoken in the city's region. The French form of the name is taken from local names such as Moore "Waogdgo" and Farefare "Wɔgdɔgɔ", both of which are versions of the same place name used by the peoples who lived there before colonial rule. The French spelling reflects how European speakers heard and wrote those local sounds, which is why the name looks unfamiliar to English readers. The city is often shortened in everyday speech to "Ouaga", and the same name is used for the country's administrative centre and largest city.