Sheng slang

Sheng is primarily a Swahili and English-based cant, slang, perhaps a mixed language or creole, originating among the urban youth of Nairobi, Kenya, and influenced by many of the languages spoken there. While primarily a language of urban youths, it has spread across social classes and geographically to neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda. It is a language variety spoken as a lingua franca across Kenya. For many years, it has been used on school playgrounds and campuses and in political campaigns, and today it is finding its way into spoken media. Sheng expressions are neither standardised nor taught in formal establishments, but rather appear in daily discourse, usually in informal settings. Kenyan speakers regularly use slang in conversation, depending on their audience and level of familiarity. Sheng unites the different ethnic groups in the country, especially in their trade and social interaction with each other. English and Swahili are Kenya's official languages, and Sheng, despite its common use throughout the country, has no official status.