A Xhosa and Zulu term for thick curdled milk, also known as maas; similar to yoghurt. A traditional drink, amasi is now produced commercially.
Example
Xhosa people would choose amasi over meat.
In Zulu/Xhosa mythology, Tikoloshe, Tokoloshe, Tokolotshe, De'Avion or Hili is a dwarf-like water sprite. It is considered a mischievous and evil spirit that can become invisible by drinking water or swallowing a stone. Tokoloshes are called upon by malevolent people to cause trouble for others.
Example
*My child misbehaves*
Me: If you don't behave, I will call the tikoloshe to beat you.
Saluka is a Xhosa term that refers to the person you went to initiation school with.
Example
Good to see you, saluka. I last saw you after initiation school.
A tradition in South Africa that celebrates the end of exam season. It loosely translates to "washing the paper".
High school kids typically go on a drinking spree (underage drinking).
High school kids typically go on a drinking spree (underage drinking).
Example
I can't wait for the exams to finish so that sizokuhlamba iphepha.
Bafana Maths refers to the calculations Bafana Bafana usually does before qualifying for a major tournament. It usually entails “if team A wins, team B draws, and we win by so many goals, then we qualify”
It is not Xhosa but Zulu phrase meaning to disapprove an act. It goes together with phrases like, kahle no, musa bo, woza bo, mana no, etc
Example
Hhayi bo wnzani?
A Northeast African country on the Red Sea with Italian colonial architecture and recent independence.
Example
Asmara, Eritrea's capital, is known for its well-preserved Italian modernist buildings.
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.
The lethal vodka that is produced by Sminnorf.
Example
She was downing 1818, that's why she's this drunk.
Example
Uncle Vinny's birthday party was massive.
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