vijembe

How to say it

Meaning

Small knives or pocketknives; figuratively, cutting or sarcastic remarks.

Good to know

plural of kijembe (ki-/vi- class); the figurative sense (sarcastic remark) is common in everyday speech and social media.

Examples

• Alibeba vijembe viwili safarini kwa ajili ya kukatia matunda.He carried two pocketknives on the trip to cut fruit.
• Wanasiasa walitupiana vijembe wakati wa mdahalo.The politicians threw jibes at each other during the debate.
• Je, vijembe vyake vilikukera kweli?Did his jibes really offend you?
• Usimtumie vijembe, ongea naye moja kwa moja.Don't throw jibes at him, speak to him directly.