Lexifari DictionaryPreview

dem

noun

girl; girlfriend.

Relationship and tone decide whether it is neutral, affectionate, or reductive.

Origins

Dem entered Sheng from English “dame,” used as a girl or girlfriend label with an affectionate sense of honour.

Nathan Oyori Ogechi, On Lexicalization in Sheng (Nordic Journal of African Studies, 2005), 346.
Sources dem from English “dame” in the girlfriend synonym chain.

Examples

Dem wake alikuja.
His girlfriend came.
Huyo dem ni mcheso.
That girl is fun.
Nilimwona dem kwa stage.
I saw a girl at the stage.
Dem alichelewa kwa date.
The girl was late for the date.
Usizungumzie dem vibaya.
Do not speak badly about the girl.
Dem wake ni mrefu.
His girlfriend is tall.
Nilimsalimia dem kwa stage.
I greeted a girl at the stage.
Dem alituma voice note.
The girl sent a voice note.
Huyo dem ana style.
That girl has style.