African Slang Words Starting With "K"

Kutembea polepole kama mzee (To walk slowly like an elder)

Kutembea kwa utulivu (To walk calmly)

Slang derived from Shona, meaning to be broke or penniless (literally “to be dry”).

To be broke or struggle financially.

Kumwa mowa / Kuledzera (To drink alcohol / get drunk)

To be confused

Fusion of traditional and modern dance moves

Fruta lokal (Fruta local) (Local fruit)

Kushangaa na jambo (To be surprised by something)

Kufuata mtu mtandaoni (To stalk someone online)

Kuelewa (To understand)

Kushanda nesimba (To struggle/work hard)

Kungoja gari (To wait for vehicle)

To wash

Ukugeza (bathing)

Kuwasha hembe (washing clothes)

To school

To open mouth

Kukhala moyo / Kupulumuka (To stay alive / survive)

Kukwiya / Kukhala wokwiya (To be angry / hold grudge)

Ukugcina umtwana (baby sitting)

Kurudia mtihani (To retake an exam)

A Shona verb meaning to hustle through multiple small jobs or activities. It's like 'scrambling around.' If someone is k...

Taraweh prayers

Kukhala wokongola / Kuwala (To be beautiful / shine)

ቁጣ/ከፊል ቀሚስ (Half dress)

Kusanzwisisa (not understanding)

Kutafuta kazi (To look for work)

To look for money

Kujitahidi kupata kipato (To struggle to get income)

Kutafuta mpenzi wa maisha (Looking for the one)

Kutajana (Not to get along)

Far

Kutamenya (Not to know)

Kutaura zvakawanda (talking too much)

Kuongoza kwa utawala (To lead with authority)

Kusokonekera / Kusowa nzeru (To be confused / lose sense)

To church

Kukhala wokongola / Kukoma (To be beautiful / attractive)

Kupita / Kuchoka (To go / leave)

Kuthawa / Kuchoka mwachangu (To run away / leave quickly)

Umtsimba wesiSwati (Swati wedding)

Literally 'to spit,' but in slang means to speak or rap.

Ukugwaza izindlebe (ear piercing)

Bad luck curse

Ukusika imisebe (making incisions)

Kutembea kwa miguu (To walk)

Kusintha khalidwe / Kukhala wina (To change behavior / become different)

To buy

Take traditional medicine