Word of the Day [11 Feb 2026]

Mntkbw

Xhosa term derived from Mntakabawo which directly translates to "My dad's child". This term doesn't necessarily refer to someone you are related to. It can be used to refer to a friend or any random person.


I'm so tired mntkbw.

Groove

South African slang term for the club, tavern, party, all the nice places.


I miss how groove was before lockdown.

Shela

A Zulu word for asking a girl/guy out.


Ladies must also shela now. #WomenHaveToShela


2 Bob

2 bob refers to the 20 cent coin


Uncle: My boy, go buy me some bread at the shop, I will give you 2 bob when you come back.

Springboks

Springboks is the name used to refer to the South African National Rugby Team.


The Springboks are currently number one in the world.


Drata

South African slang term for R100 (1 Hundred Rands).
Some call it Klipa.


I just need 2 drata then I'll be fine.

Toti

Itoti is a general term for a can or tin. It can be a can of beer, food or whatever, as long as it's a can you can call it itoti.


I stopped drinking ngud, I only drink itoti now.


Hhayi bo (haibo)

It is not Xhosa but Zulu phrase meaning to disapprove an act. It goes together with phrases like, kahle no, musa bo, woza bo, mana no, etc


Hhayi bo wnzani?

Bari

Bari is a name given to God in Ogoni land


Barikui which means God is big


Khayelitsha

Khayelitsha is a township in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa, on the Cape Flats. The name is Xhosa for New Home. It is reputed to be one of the largest and fastest-growing townships in South Africa.


I was born and bred in Khayelitsha.

Diski

Kasi term that refers to soccer/football.


Everyone in my neighbourhood loves diski.




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