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.
Often heard in football commentary, woto woto describes relentless attack or punishment. In casual conversations, it’s used to describe someone who’s taking a figurative “beating” in an argument or facing harsh circumstances.
Example
"The strikers gave him woto woto" implies they played aggressively, leaving no room for escape.
Sbhanxa or sibhanxa is a Xhosa term for an idiot or a fool.
Example
Yeer usisbhanxa ke khona wena ufunda lewey lol
Dhloogle is a term used on X, formerly Twitter to refer to Sizwe Dhlomo’s tendency of “knowing” everything under the sun. You can ask him anything and he will have an answer. No articles, no references, just him being sure about everything.
Example
Guy 1: I just heard that in 1994, ANC won the elections but Nelson Mandela made the call to give it to the IFP for stability.
Guy 2: where did you hear that?
Guy 1: From Dhloogle.
Gauteng is the smallest yet richest province in South Africa. That is where you will find Johannesburg and Pitori
Example
I was born and raised in the Gauteng Province.
Example
I had to give them my phone, one of them ebephethe intshiza.
Mgarimbe is the legend who gave us the hit song Sister Betina.
Example
Mgarimbe deserves a lifetime achievement award.
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