Cameroon· medium
manger l'argent
“to eat the money”
No Cameroon, Niger, Senegal, or Benin voice yet, so this is read in French.
Meaning
to embezzle funds
Explanation
Describes corruption where a person in a position of trust appropriates money for personal benefit rather than its intended purpose.
Example
On dit de lui qu'il a mangé la caisse de l'association sans rendre compte à personne.
They say he embezzled the association's funds without being accountable to anyone.
Origin
The 'eating' metaphor for corruption is widespread in African French. Variations include 'bouffer' (devour), 'croquer' (crunch), and 'mangeoire' (feeding trough) for a cushy position.
Where
Cameroon
Niger
Senegal
Benin
Source
More like this
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