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Garri, pronounced gah-ree,, is made from granulated cassava, a root vegetable that's poisonous unless you peel and cook it first. Commonly found in West Africa, there are two types of garri: yellow and white. The flavor depends on how long it's been fermented and the presence of palm oil.

Example

The prices of staple foods such as rice, beans and garri have increased astronomically.

Justin • 04 March 2024

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South Africa

Bergie

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

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South Africa

umshologu

properly used to mean a “spirit” from

u -> the

m -> child of, person of, thing of

Shulgi -> an ancient Sumerian king who deified him just like Jesus and so people were said to perform wonders “In the name of Shulgi”.

Example

On seeing a ghost: I saw umshologu.

On seeing a magic performance: He’s using umshologu.

A church was in the old days called: The House of umshologu

On someone who loves to go to church: He’s the ash of the house of umshologu. (you can modernize the expression by using “furniture” instead of “ash”)

Sgasa • 21 May 2025

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South Africa

Ayoba

Ayoba is a South African slang, which means something “cool”, “okay”, or “all right”. It was popular before the social media age but its use has declined.

Example

Girl 1: We should go to the mall tomorrow.

Girl 2: Ayoba

Mbali • 04 April 2021

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South Africa

Tsotsitaal / Scamto

My friend

This is a term that refers to the Somali or Pakistani shop owners in South Africa. This term started when these shop owners first arrived in South Africa and they referred to everyone as "My friend". The name was then subsequently given to them.

Example

1. Child: Hi, my friend. How much are your sweets?
My friend: It's 2 bob for one sweet, my friend.

2. No one:
Pakistani shop owner: My friend I am not your friend, my friend.

Chief • 24 July 2020

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