A backroom is a room in a yard that's usually at the back of the main house. It is mostly used for rental purposes.
Example

I'm renting a backroom in Tembisa.

Skhokho 03 May 2022
An expression asking pardon before saying something rude or vulgar.
Example

SΙ›be, the thing smell bad.

Admin 26 July 2026

Plural: Amabhinca
Ibhinca is a Zulu person who practices their traditional Zulu culture, including wearing the traditional attire and listening to Maskandi
Example

I had to act like I love Maskandi cause I was drinking with ibhinca.

Mr Trends 23 August 2021
Thonqo is a Xhosa slang term for an idiot or a fool.
Example

Haisuka ngu thonqo lo

This is an idiot.

MXhosa 27 July 2023

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.
Example

Buy 1 drink and get the second one mahala.

Sinazo 13 April 2021
Mandla Ncikazi (born 16 February 1969) is a Plumber And South African professional soccer former player who is part of the technical staff at South African Premier Division club Orlando Pirates.
Example

When someone arms are Crossed , with shoulders pulled together and hands that rub over the arms or sides (a self-soothing motion). Slower movements than usual. Half-formed movements, as if the character doesn't have the energy for more. You can then refer that person as Mandla Ncikazi

Mcebisi Ngubane 10 June 2022

Quickly; immediately; smart or streetwise.
Example

Do am sharp sharp before he come.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
A derogatory term, originally referred to homeless people who sheltered in the forests of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. It’s now a derogatory word for homeless people in general.
Example

He left home now he is a bergie.

Varsity Dude 05 May 2021

It is an urban South African youth language, also known as tsotsi taal or township talk, that mixes words from languages like Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Afrikaans, and English.
Example

They mostly speak Scamto to each other.

Sinazo 04 August 2026
Inteshe is a Xhosa term that refers to a huge belly, mostly seen in tenderpreneurs. It is the synonym of mkhaba.
Example

I've stopped eating meat because wow, inteshe.

MXhosa 12 May 2021


© 2020 Africtionary®