Ikhankatha

A Xhosa name for a traditional nurse that takes care of an initiate (umkhwetha) during initiation (circumcision).


Ikhankatha plays a major role during initiation.

Gwara gwara

A popular South African dance that was created by DJ Bongz. It has been performed by a lot of big stars including Rihanna and Paul Pogba.


Did you see Paul Pogba doing the Gwara gwara?

Pozi

To stand and be at alert or wait.


Pozi for here. Meaning wait for (me) here.

Pozi make dem no loss you. Stand at alert so that you're not pickpocketed

Colloquial

(of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.


We use a lot of colloquial terms in our everyday lingo.

Mjondolo

Mjondolo is another term for informal settlements (mkhukhu).


There is an movement called Abahlali basemjondolo

Motase

A very bad way of spelling mntase. It is mostly used by Sotho/Tswana people to mock Xhosa people on social media.


Yho motase, I couldn't believe what I saw.

Babalaas

Can also be spelled Bhabhalaza, Babalaz, bhabhalazi - is a hangover or that feeling in the morning after a night of heavy drinking.


I'm struggling to wake up today because babalaas is nyisaring me.

M'tsali

Describes a location, either at home school or any place.


Ituye kum'tsali kamweina.

Mzukwana

Mzukwana is a Kasi term for the olden days / the good old days / back in the day.


I woke up and listened to Kwaito ya mzukwana today.

Lepara

A SePitori word that usually refers to a guy that can handle difficult situations, or is brave enough to do things other people can't do.

It could also mean someone who is well respected because of his status in society.


Mpho ke lepara joe, he just approached that hot girl sitting over there.



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