Browse African Slang

قرابة قوية (Strong kinship)

Chombo cha kusagia (Grinding stone)

Vizuri kwa Kitaita (Fine in Taita)

While it means 'barber' in standard Swahili, in slang it can mean a smooth talker who can convince anyone.

Kinésithérapeute (Physiotherapist)

Pessoa do grupo étnico Kioko (Person from Kioko ethnic group)

Kikapu cha Kikuyu (Kikuyu basket)

Leader/Guide (Leader/Guide)

Kiongozi/msimamizi (Leader/supervisor)

Religious leader

Guide touristique (Tour guide)

ኪዮስክ/ኪዮስክ (Kiosk) - kiosk

Kiosque (Kiosk bar)

Kiosque (Small shop)

Antílope (Antelope)

Small income

Small income

Darling; sweetheart

Northeast period

Farming period

Msimu wa mvua (Rainy season)

Mwanaume kwa Kipokot (Man in Pokot)

A term from African languages referring to cultural concepts or everyday objects.

Vent frais du soir (Cool evening breeze)

Msimu wa baridi (Cold season)

A term from African languages referring to cultural concepts or everyday objects.

How are you?; casual greeting among friends

ክራር/ክራር (Kirar) - traditional string instrument

Traditional praise poetry or hype. Among youth, doing kirari means hyping someone up with praise names or in rap battles

Means something taboo or forbidden by culture. Youth might use it sarcastically to say something is a big no-no

ክረምት/ክረምት (Kiremt) - rainy season

Problema complicado (Complicated problem)

It's good

Slang for a kick or strong hit (like a boot, possibly onomatopoeia). Usage: Afingi ngai, napesi ye kisambeth – He insult...

Kisamvu/majani ya mihogo (Cassava leaves)

Dance style

Mwali saying

كيش (Good - Eastern dialect)

Châle traditionnel (Traditional shawl)

Amulette/protection (Amulet/protection)

Village well

Deep well

Île (Island)

Kisiwa/mahali pa pekee (Island/lonely place)

Maore island

Mwali island

Ndzuani island

Beautiful island

Kisiwani/kisiwa (On island)

Go kiss (To kiss)