Kukwama
koo-KWAH-mah /ku.ˈkʷɑ.mɑ/
"Kukwama" is Sheng for to get stuck (also: to be stranded).
Meaning
- verb to get stuck, to be stranded. To be stuck — in traffic, without money, or in a problem you cannot solve. 'Nimekwama' is a very common excuse and a very common truth.
Examples
- Tumekwama foleni tangu saa kumi na moja. We've been stuck in traffic since five.
- Nimekwama na mbao, nisaidie. I'm stuck for cash, help me out.
Similar and opposite words
Where it comes from
Swahili 'kukwama' (to snag/get stuck).
How it was made: Swahili base.
Questions about Kukwama
What does Kukwama mean in Sheng?
"Kukwama" is Sheng for to get stuck (also: to be stranded). To be stuck — in traffic, without money, or in a problem you cannot solve. 'Nimekwama' is a very common excuse and a very common truth.
How do you use Kukwama in a sentence?
"Tumekwama foleni tangu saa kumi na moja." means "We've been stuck in traffic since five."
How do you pronounce Kukwama?
Say it koo-KWAH-mah (/ku.ˈkʷɑ.mɑ/). Sheng is spelled the way it sounds, with stress on the second-to-last syllable.
Where does the word Kukwama come from?
Swahili 'kukwama' (to snag/get stuck).
Share or improve this entry
To quote this page: “Kukwama.” Shengwords Sheng Dictionary, updated 2026-11-10. https://shengwords.co.ke/word/kukwama (accessed 2026-11-10).