Matric

The last year of high school (grade 12).


I can't wait to do my matric.



Matric Dance

Also known as Matric Farewell - Is when grade 12 (last year of high school) learners have one final formal function, often followed by parties, underage drinking and bad decisions. Each school usually has its own dance and pupils usually come with a date and wear expensive suits and dresses.
Americans would call it prom


I don't know who I am going to take to the Matric Dance.



Zulu

Zulu is the most widely spoken home language in South Africa (about 24% of the population), and it is understood by over 50% of South African population.


Zulu guys will hurt you big time.



Mahala

A Zulu term that means for nothing. Free; obtained without payment or difficulty. It is however not only used by Zulu, it has been incorporated to modern South African lingo.


Buy 1 drink and get the second one mahala.



Inqaba

Can be called "nqaba" is another word for Castle Lager, one of South Africa's favourite beer.


I am definitely buying myself inqaba after work.



Zamalek

Another name for Carling Black Label beer. Some call it Black Juice.


I will never drink zamalek again. It's too strong.



Black Juice

Another name for Carling Black Label. South Africa's favourite beer. Some may call it Zamalek.


Yho the babalaas you would swear I was drinking Black Juice.



Toyi-toyi

A quasi-military dance-step characterized by high-stepping movements, performed either on the spot or while moving slowly forwards, usually by participants in protest gatherings or marches, and accompanied by chanting, singing, and the shouting of slogans


They were toyi-toying for the lack of service delivery in their community and apparently the money was misused by a local tenderpreneur



Boerewors

Can be shortened as just "wors" literally means "farmer’s sausage", this is a savory sausage that is often used for braai and then eaten as a variation of a hot dog or with pap.


We are braaing boerewors and steak.



Yebo

It means "yes", but it is used as an extremely expressive form of the affirmative. It's often used as a double positive, saying "Yebo yes!".


Man 1: Are you gonna watch the game tomorrow?
Man 2: Yebo yes!




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