louis mallowa
May 29, 2019
Have you ever walked in a middle of a conversation and you find yourself blank. The language in use may not be familiar. Well this has turned out to be for most people who have not familiarized themselves with Nairobian “Sheng”.
Living in Nairobi should be inclusive in one’s CV. It’s a special skill in it’s own. As Varcity, today we decided to highlight some of the sheng words. The words keeps changing with time.
SHENG WORDS
ODUKO- SHOP
sogi/NDAUO- WATCHMAN
FERARI- FARE
SWARA- BAD LUCK
BERWA/RUABE- Soo Mbili
DIWOWO/WODE- WATER
NGEDE- PETROL
BAMBuKA- ALIGHTING
CHIMAMA-GIRLFRIEND
MBETEKA- RUGBY MATCH
tei/ngwai- Alcohol
Laz’e – Weed
KDF – Muguka
Ma-red Rose- Beautiful girls
Njui – Fifty Bob
Kuteveva – Being scared
Niko wire – I am broke
Godha – Steal
Bombee – Rich Person
Nyambisha – Fire a gun
Omre – Good friend
Seng’eng’a – Day dreaming
Thofo – Fat woman
Yeda – Wing man
Gondo – Pregnant
Mkoro or Monsai – Mum
Mzengazwang – A man or
a boy
Mboi – Counterfeit
Kujaa Gas – Getting angry
Gwara – To fail
Kuwa mfuko – Being rich
Kukuwa Liquid – Having money
Maweng’ – Money
Cheza kama wewe – Make it happen or make
it count
Badest- Bad guy
Cheza chini – Ignore or avoid
Mnonyi – Liquor
Hustle – Buzz
As you purpose to rub shoulders with Nairobian’s in their busy streets expect to hear new slangs protruding from their mouths. Learn so fast or else they will say, “Uko na Ushake,” to proclaim your naivety.
Different touts in the Kenyan Capital have also thronged Matatu passengers with new slangs day in , day out. Be on the know or else you might find it hard to adjust to the City Life.
What are some of the sheng words, have you come across as a city dweller?
