More than 75% of the Kenyan population is below the age of 35, and most of them speak Sheng.
So in one way or the other, you have to learn at least basic Sheng if you want to appeal to this demographic.
How do I go about it?
We've got you.
The beauty and, to some, the downside of the Sheng language is that it is constantly evolving.
Thanks to the hard work of the Sheng lovers, who add tens of new words daily, we have the latest and most popular words of 2023 and their meanings.
Trending Sheng words and their meaning
Below is a list of 50 trending and most searched-for sheng words and their meaning:
| Sheng Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Luku | Dress smart |
| Bazu | Someone who commands respect or a boss. |
| Mbogi genje | Derived from two sheng words. Mbogi (which means group or crew) and genje which means trouble. Used to mean a badass crew/group. A crew that means business and is ready to bring trouble.
|
| Dwanzi | Stupid person |
| Pedi | Drug distributor |
| Brejin | Brother |
| Aluta | To feel good. Mostly after taking weed. |
| Nyongi | Weed |
| Riswa | It is used to show shock and disbelief. |
| Mambaru | police or detectives especially from DCI. (Department of criminal investigations) |
| Bukla | Club; an entertainment venue that is open from the evening until early morning, having facilities such as a bar and disco or other entertainment. |
| Moshatha | Upcountry |
| Taliban | To be strong, focused and unshakable in a tough situation |
| Nginyo | porn |
| Rizla | Lighter |
| Kanairo | Nairobi |
| Wanjapi. | Photo. |
| Dojo | A sheng dictionary |
| Fwaka | Cigarette, tobacco |
| Vako | Lie |
| Njwang'a | Dick |
| Mbosho | |
| Mashiro | Menses |
| Chuom | Hide |
| Chums | Money |
| Teo | Exams |
| Warena | Fire |
| Kidale | Hungry |
| Nditni | Inside |
| Mandaki | Home or house. |
| Ndethe | Naked |
| Kumedi | To meditate. |
| Ng'ondo | land/aplot |
| Kapa | ksh. one thousand |
| Swara | bad luck |
| Mkuu | A leader |
| Lombotove | love |
| Kutundura | to confuse |
| Fyat | Abnormal person |
| Ndikini | Inside something |
| Uwaganis | Nonsense |
| Sanse | Police officer |
| Mayolo | foreign land
|
| Medi | Kutulia |
| Mbwegze | two |
| Dangulo | A house. |
| Bleki | To pass out or black out after taking excess alcohol. |
| Mtiaji | snitch |
| Brikicho | Hide and seek |
| Baroda | Road |
| Waganis | Stupidity |
| Pan'tambua | I don't give a fuck |
