Shengwords

Kelele

keh-LEH-leh /kɛ.ˈlɛ.lɛ/

"Kelele" is Sheng for noise (also: commotion).

Meaning

  1. noun noise, commotion. Noise of any kind — music, an argument, a crowd. 'Acha kelele' means keep it down or stop the drama.

Examples

  • Kelele za nganya hazinilazi kupata usingizi. The nganya's noise stops me sleeping.
  • Acha kelele hapa ndani. Stop the noise in here.
See Kelele used in other entries
  • Sipendi sherehe zenye kelele nyingi.I don't like noisy parties.From Sherehe
  • Mzae hataki kelele kwa nyumba.Dad doesn't want noise in the house.From Mzae
  • Nilishtuka alipopiga kelele.I was startled when he shouted.From Kushtuka

Similar and opposite words

Where it comes from

Swahili 'kelele' (noise).

How it was made: Swahili base.

Questions about Kelele

What does Kelele mean in Sheng?

"Kelele" is Sheng for noise (also: commotion). Noise of any kind — music, an argument, a crowd. 'Acha kelele' means keep it down or stop the drama.

How do you use Kelele in a sentence?

"Kelele za nganya hazinilazi kupata usingizi." means "The nganya's noise stops me sleeping."

How do you pronounce Kelele?

Say it keh-LEH-leh (/kɛ.ˈlɛ.lɛ/). Sheng is spelled the way it sounds, with stress on the second-to-last syllable.

Where does the word Kelele come from?

Swahili 'kelele' (noise).

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To quote this page: “Kelele.” Shengwords Sheng Dictionary, updated 2026-11-10. https://shengwords.co.ke/word/kelele (accessed 2026-11-10).