Browse African Slang

Wastani wa alama (Grade Point Average)

Kompyuta ya michezo (Gaming computer)

Ipi? (Which?)

Slang for money, in general. A very common term across Kenya and Tanzania (likely from Gujarati 'ganji' meaning coins).

Ukusanyaji wa taka (Garbage collection)

Kunywa pombe (To drink alcohol)

Gavana (Governor)

Slang for a 'friend', from 'G' (gangster or just the letter). Often used in urban Nairobi, like 'my G.'

Ironic slang (likely British influence) used to refer to a guy/dude, not necessarily old as in UK. In Kenyan campus ling...

Kiongozi mkuu (Top leader)

Gari ya Ujerumani (German car)

Kukutana (Get together)

Suddenly or out of the blue.

Mtu mbaya (Useless person)

Kutoka maskini hadi utajiri (From poverty to wealth)

Msichana (Girl child)

Wakati kwa Kikuyu (Time in Kikuyu)

Maharagwe na mahindi (Beans and maize)

Mtu mashuhuri wa githeri (Famous githeri person)

App ya delivery (Delivery app)

Wakati wa jua kupua (Sunset time)

Mshabiki mkuu wa Gor Mahia (Die-hard Gor Mahia fan)

Sheng for a mixture or medley, especially of languages (mixing English, Swahili, mother-tongue). It's often used humorou...

Joho (Gown)

Daraja (Grade)

Vazi la kuhitimu (Graduation gown)

Kijani (Green)

Kijivu (Grey)

Mpangilio wa picha (Photo arrangement)

Majadiliano ya kikundi (Group discussion)

Vikundi vya FB (Facebook groups)

Kinywaji cha nguvu (Energy drink)

Kikuyu word for 'grandfather,' adopted in Sheng to mean 'old man' or just an old-fashioned person.

Five hundred shillings

Government or authorities.