Where does the slang word Noma come from?

Noma is a slang term from Kenya. It is part of the rich slang vocabulary used in Kenya and across Africa.

What are other meanings of Noma?

Noma can also mean: Trouble or something tough.; Ngumu sana (Very difficult / tough)

Noma

Added Aug 12, 2025 · 3 definitions

TOP DEFINITION

Noma definition 1

Sheng for 'problem' or 'terrible', derived from Swahili 'norma' (to be fierce). Saying 'ni noma' can mean 'it's awesome' in a badass way or 'it's a problem' depending on context. Often Hakuna noma = no problem.

"Eh jana ilikuwa noma! (Yesterday was crazy awesome!) or Hii kitu noma sana (this thing is very problematic/tough)."

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Aug 12, 2025

DEFINITION 2

Noma definition 2

Trouble or something tough.

"Situation ilikuwa noma sana."

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Aug 12, 2025

DEFINITION 3

Noma definition 3

Ngumu sana (Very difficult / tough)

"Maisha ni noma sana (Life is very tough)"

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Apr 06, 2026

Word Details

Country: 🇰🇪 Kenya
Definitions: 3 community definitions
Added: August 2025

↻ Similar Words

Noma 🇹🇿 Tanzania

Originally means “a problem” or “terrible,” but in youth slang can mean “crazy good” or “crazy bad,” depending on context.

"“Track mpya ya Diamond ni noma!” (“Diamond’s new track is wicked awesome!”)"

ngoma 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe

Ngoma (Drum/music)

"Ridzai ngoma (Play the drums/music)"

🇰🇪 About Kenya Slang

Kenyan slang is led by Sheng, a vibrant urban creole born in Nairobi's Eastlands that blends Swahili, English, and Kikuyu, spoken by millions of young Kenyans.

KASINARY has 2011 Kenya slang words collected from native speakers.

Browse all Kenya slang (2011 words)

🌍 "Noma" Across Africa

This word is also used in 1 other country, sometimes with a different meaning.

Noma 🇹🇿 Tanzania

Sheng for 'problem' or 'terrible', derived from Swahili 'norma' (to be fierce). Saying 'ni noma' can mean 'it's awesome' in a badass way or 'it's a pr…