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What does the Swahili greeting 'Shikamoo' literally mean?

I touch your feet, a deeply respectful greeting.

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  1. I am delighted
  2. I touch your feet ✔
  3. Welcome home

Why: Shikamoo comes from a phrase meaning 'I touch your feet', showing humble respect to an older person. 'I am delighted' is the meaning of the elder's reply, marahaba.

Huh, didn't know that: Younger people in East Africa often call older people Mama, Baba, Auntie or Uncle instead of their first names.

The dad joke
Shikamoo means I touch your feet. Good thing it is a greeting and not a handshake.
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References

Answer: I touch your feet. Shikamoo comes from a phrase meaning 'I touch your feet', showing humble respect to an older person. 'I am delighted' is the meaning of the elder's reply, marahaba.

  1. University of Kansas Kiswahili, Lesson 2: Greetings kiswahili.ku.edu/sites/kiswahili/files/documents/lessons/lesson_02.pdf
    Shikamoo. Marahaba. [I touch your feet.] [I am delighted.]
    Checked 2026-10-12.
  2. Baylor University, Elementary Swahili I: Greeting Etiquette in East African Culture openbooks.library.baylor.edu/elementaryswahili1/chapter/culture-greeting-etiquette
    Younger people are generally expected to greet elders first.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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