Hilarity abound.
When the old adage goes about learning something new everyday or something in the lines of that, it may pass for the most corny of assertions, it could not be closer to the truth. Take learning new words and phrases from new languages for instance. Words with similar phonetics but different meanings in different languages are not a rare occurrence.
Language suggests that one word can have a different language. While ‘kiss’ means pee in Swedish, it means something totally different in English.
Last night saw the launch of the much-decorated Ramogi TV. Curious viewers tuned in to catch a glimpse of the new community station’s inauguration, they were treated to more than they had bargained for. Twak Makende, a dholuo phrase that connotes special/exclusive talk, was plastered on the screen when former prime minister Raila Odinga made his debut on the station for an interview.
Given that millions tuned in to catch the premiere, it goes without saying that people caught wind of the phrase. Makende is a sexual innuendo that means the male sex organs in Swahili slang (Sheng).
Twitter is awash with reactions:
Saw Twak Makende on Twitter Trending and i was wondering story ya Twa twa inatrend tena!! Kumbe its some language and Ramogi TV— Captain Tjemo -Carl (@CaptainTjemo) November 30, 2021 Ramogi Fm presenter trying to explain the meaning of Twak makende pic.twitter.com/CvU3dxG9ow— MERCY (@mercy_cherlot) November 30, 2021 When I first saw Twak Makende on the screen. #RamogiTV pic.twitter.com/ntHceR2K1l— Elkanah Zablon (@ElkanahZablon) November 30, 2021 Jakano @RobertAlai explaining the concept of Twak Makende😂 pic.twitter.com/qErbA1u5L4— Lisomo (@Real_Lisomo) November 30, 2021 Jakano @RobertAlai explaining the concept of Twak Makende😂 pic.twitter.com/qErbA1u5L4— Lisomo (@Real_Lisomo) November 30, 2021 The editor after putting the headline TWAK MAKENDE without a translation pic.twitter.com/0quAcKHTxG— 𝗞𝗜𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗦𝗞𝗜 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧 (@Turk_Voices) November 30, 2021 TWAK MAKENDE 🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/HpXWUPp64M— Rayoz KE🇰🇪 (@Brian_robii) November 30, 2021 Ramogi Tv hiding from Kenyans who want an explanation to what Twak Makende means pic.twitter.com/KZCs4HYhjl— @Suprim (@ImanuelMw) November 30, 2021 That Twak Makende plus baba facial expression, just killed it 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/obDbNOM9mn— Tom Muema (@1tommuema) November 30, 2021 let me leave this here, Twak makende it is pic.twitter.com/yhZBjCh926— mbayambaya (@chomba_cyrus) November 30, 2021 Ati Twak Makende… Seriously guys😂😂..tf is this. Na the government imenyamaza tu— Main Chiq🥰 (@MainChiq4) November 30, 2021