Word of the Day — 29 Sep 2026

Administrative capital known for its jacaranda-lined streets and government buildings.
Example

Pretoria's Union Buildings house the South African presidency.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025
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A Zulu term for a Loan Shark, someone who offers loans at extremely high interest rates, has strict terms of collection upon failure, and generally operates outside of local authority.
Example

I need to pay the mashonisa otherwise he will keep my ID and Bank cards.

Sinazo • 23 April 2021
Also known as phara-phara. A term that refers to a drug addict who often terrorizes the community through criminal activities. The term is mostly used in Xhosa and Zulu speaking communities. In Gauteng, this person would be called a Nyaope Boy.
Example

There was nothing he could do, ela phara had a huge knife so he just gave away the phone.

Chief • 22 July 2020

From the Bemba word "to finish," it's used to mean "it's over," "it's done," or "that's it." It can also be used to end a conversation or a situation.
Example

The meeting has ended. Chapwa.

Grace ❤️ • 21 July 2025
Historic coastal city with Swahili culture and East Africa's largest port.
Example

Mombasa's Old Town features ornate Arab-style doors and architecture.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025

O jewa ke eng is a Sotho term that directly translates to "What is eating you" in English. This is a phrase that has become famous on Twitter after a user named @akreana tweeted it back in June 2019.
Example

Friend 1: Why are you so down, o jewa ke?

Friend 2: Eish my friend, my boyfriend has been cheating on me with that slut from Pitori.

Mr Trends • 26 July 2020
Is a hit song that makes everyone go crazy.
Example

zekethe... zekethe... zekethe

Danny • 11 May 2021

The Shangaan people are a Southern African Bantu ethnic group formed in the 19th century when Zulu warriors led by Soshangane conquered and assimilated indigenous Tsonga people. Primarily residing in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, they are renowned for a rich culture that blends Nguni traditions with Tsonga language (Xitsonga) and history.
Example

I am looking for my Shangaan family.

Chief • 23 July 2026
Not to be confused with Spaza shop... Is the name used to refer to Xhosa rap or Xhosa hip hop. It is not clear how the name went from being a kasi shop to a music genre.
Example

You know guys from cape Town like listening to Spaza music.

Chief • 22 July 2020

Its a word used to replace job
Example

I need to get a small spani just for the moment

BkayGee • 21 May 2021
Agbarha-otor is a kingdom in north part of ughelli Delta state Nigeria. The meaning of Agbarha-otor: tier and loss Land
Example

Let's tier and loss the land.

It's a misery words used and also some part ritual of the initiation of the ancient ancestors used for the generations to trace thier way back home

French Ovotu Abraham • 26 August 2023


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