Kuinama Meaning in Sheng/ Slang

Kuinama is a slang that is usually used by Kenyans to mean skipping lunch. The slang originates from the Kenyan university campuses where comrades use it to mean that they skipped lunch. The word is derived from the Swahili language and it means stooping.

The story behind Kuinama?

At campus, many comrades usually skip lunch and do breakfast and supper. When someone didn’t have lunch during the lunch hour it is often called “Kuinama” by Kenyan youths in slang. Sarcastically, “Kuinama” means to stoop then lunchtime passes. It may be due to many reasons but probably because one is broke and can’t afford it.

The word “Kuinama” is usually used politely when someone skips lunch and maybe opts for supper and breakfast only. For example, when you are asked if you had lunch, you can say sarcastically, “Leo ni kuinama”. Which means today I am not having lunch.

It is worth noting that the word “Kuinama” has gone viral on social media and many use it in everyday life. Check the video below where University students explain more about Kuinama.