Browse African Slang

Literally 'to burn,' but in slang means to party hard or have a great time.

Kutafuta (To search / look for)

(Sheng) Literally 'to skin,' but slang for a woman extracting money from a man using her charm (essentially gold-digging...

Kudai kile unachostahili (To demand what's rightfully yours)

Kucheza densi (To dance)

Kusimamisha masomo (To defer studies)

Kufanya mapenzi (To have sex)

Kuacha mpenzi (To dump someone)

Kutafuta mapenzi (To look for love / date)

Kuchoma (To inject / pierce)

Kuhisi (To feel)

Kuwa online (To be online)

Kumaliza kabisa (To finish completely)

To squeeze financially

Kusahau mambo yote (To forget everything)

(Swahili) Being caught in the act (usually of cheating). If someone amefumaniwa, it means their spouse or partner caught...

Literally 'to close/fast,' but in slang can mean to succeed or seal a deal.

Kufunga gari la serikali (To lock government vehicle)

Kumaliza biashara (To close a deal)

Kuongea mambo ya moyoni (To open up emotionally)

Kukamatwa (To be arrested)

Kupenda sana (To love / be obsessed with)

Kuhitimu (To graduate)

Kutuliza / kukaa (To hang out / chill)

Kukwepa (To dodge)

Kulinda mazingira (To conserve environment)

Kufanikiwa (To become successful)

Udanganyifu wa uchaguzi (Election rigging)

Kufika (To arrive)

To get into trouble or a difficult situation.

Kustaajabu (To be shocked)

Njoo (Come)

Kushindwa kufanya jambo (To be stuck)

Kulewa kabisa (To get completely drunk)

Kujenga ghorofa, kufanikiwa (To build floors, to succeed)

To hype oneself up for nothing or to be delusional about one's greatness. From 'chocha' (to psych up).

Literally 'to cut oneself,' but in slang means to dress very well or look sharp.

To organize oneself financially

Kujiandaa ni muhimu (Preparation is important)

To contribute money

To compose oneself or act properly.

Has multiple meanings: to refuse/reject something, or to look good (kujikata).

Kukataa (To refuse)

Kutongoza (To seduce / flirt)

Kujiweka mwili sawa (To keep fit)

Kunyamaza / kuficha mambo (To keep a low profile)

Kuogopa kupata mimba (To avoid pregnancy)

Kutumia pesa haraka haraka (To spend money quickly)

Kuku wa asili (Indigenous chicken)

Kuku wa kukaanga (Fried chicken)