Sbwl is a Xhosa shorthand for “sabaweli”. Sabaweli, which in turn is a shorthand of “andisabaweli, andisayibaweli, etc.”, is built from the root word “ukubawela” which means to crave, want, desire, wish for, fancy, yearn, etc.
Example

1. Umntu wakho xa ebona mna, uthi sbwl. >> When your person sees me, s/he says sbwl.



2. Sbwl beer today.



3. Sbwl the coronavirus to just disappear.

Sinazo 19 July 2020
Sbwl is an acronym, and slang for the Xhosa language, which originated from the South African word “ sabaweli”; the meaning of the word was, “ crave, desire, yearn or to want something”.



On social media; is meant to have been created by “gay Xhosa men “ to hide their desire for a woman's man on social media.
Example

1. Sbwl a good man.



2. Sbwl a man with a lot of money

Mr Trends 19 July 2020

Sembi is a Xhosa social media term that means ugly or bad.

Mbi in Xhosa means ugly when referring to a person and means bad when referring to a situation.
Example

Me posting a picture of my child:

Facebook friends: Sembi bundle of joy wakho mntkbw.

MXhosa 18 May 2021
A Xhosa term that means for nothing. Free; obtained without payment or difficulty.
Example

Buy 1 drink and get the second one simahla.

Sinazo 11 May 2021

Sisekakeni is a general Xhosa phrase that means we are in trouble. It directly translates to "we are in shit" or "we are in deep shit"
Example

Friend: The petrol prices went up again.

Me: Sisekakeni

MXhosa 02 June 2022
Sjura is a derogatory Xhosa slang term for a whore or hoe.
Example

Hayi Maan sisjura lewey

MXhosa 31 January 2022

Isloti is a Xhosa slang term for a drinking place (tavern or bar).
Example

Umama uvule isloti pha endlini.



My mom opened a tavern at home.

Xhosa Nostra 10 June 2026
Somagwaza, is a rather mysterious, if not mythical, forefather who invented circumcision as a means of passage into manhood for Xhosa people.
Example

I'm sure you didn't know who Somagwaza was 😅

MXhosa 19 April 2022

A rather mysterious, if not mythical, forefather who invented circumcision as a means of passage into manhood for amaXhosa.
Example

Sibulela uSomagwaza.



We thank Somagwaza.

MXhosa 24 April 2024
Sondela is a Xhosa term that means come closer.
Example

Sondela, sthandwa, sondela.

Faku 29 April 2025


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