A slang word used by Pastor Paul Mackenzie on April 25, 2023, made it to the Associated Press (AP) Word of the Year list.
Mackenzie was accused of leading a starvation doomsday cult that led to the deaths of more than 400 people.
Mackenzie issued the warning while in a police car shortly after he was arrested on April 15.
He was heard in a video warning police and people who had gathered around the police car not to look into the matter because it would come to haunt them.
"Mnachopigana nacho hamkijui na kitawaramba, kitawaramba nawaambia," he said.
(You don't know what you are fighting with, it will haunt you I tell you).
The unfamiliar word appeared to be a threat, and it quickly took on a life of its own. Kenyans used it to warn others that something bad may happen to them for their actions.
The word captured the mood with the rising cost of living.
The word was also used in other perspectives when friends are telling each other something will go wrong or they are making a bad decision that might haunt them later.
Other names that made it to the list are 'rizz', 'AI' and 'Bwa Kale'.
Rizz
'Rizz' is slang that Gen Z has widely used to mean charisma or charm.
According to the Oxford University Press, rizz is defined as style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner.
Bwa Kale
The Haitian phrase 'Bwa Kale' has transformed into a rallying cry against violent gangs in Haiti this year.
Citizens adopted the slogan as they pursued suspected criminals, resulting in a vigilante movement that has reportedly led to the death of over 300 individuals believed to be associated with gangs, as per the United Nations.
While historically used in Haitian street slang to convey notions of male dominance and power, the phrase has now transcended borders.
A social media video captures a group of Latino soccer fans, originating from an unspecified country, chanting "Bwa kale!" after their team's victory over an opponent.
