Kaffir

A racial slur that was (and still) used by racist whites to refer to black people in South Africa.


She got arrested for calling black protester kaffir.



Qabula

Ukuqabula is an informal Xhosa term for taking out babalaas. Basically the act of drinking the morning after a heavy night of drinking.


I'm dying from babalaas now, ndifuna ukuqabula.



Vuvuzela

A plastic horn/trumpet that is mostly blown in soccer matches. It produces a loud monotone note. It became very popular in South Africa in the 1990s. A fan of the Kaizer Chiefs named Freddie "Saddam" Maake says that he invented the vuvuzela.


Don't forget your vuvuzela when we go to the stadium.



Bathini

It's a new word to ask a friend how he/she is doing.


Ekse Bathini nigga?



Yena aya kwini

A Tsonga term that means "Where was he going", mostly used on social media when someone maybe gets hurt when doing something they were not supposed to do in the first place.


Girl 1: She broke up with that Xhosa guy, apparently he was trash.
Girl 2: I told her to stay away from Xhosa people. Yena aya kwini?



Somalia

A Horn of Africa nation with long coastline, facing security challenges and clan-based politics.


Somalia's location gives it strategic importance for shipping routes.



Nyoso

Nyoso means Nonsense


Her: Nasty C is better than A Reece
Him: yinyoso yelo (that's nonsense)



Amarherheba

A South African slang term for money.


I can’t wait to get amarherheba month end.



Matric Dance

Also known as Matric Farewell - Is when grade 12 (last year of high school) learners have one final formal function, often followed by parties, underage drinking and bad decisions. Each school usually has its own dance and pupils usually come with a date and wear expensive suits and dresses.
Americans would call it prom


I don't know who I am going to take to the Matric Dance.



Eksay

A general exclamation used to express excitement, surprise, or to affirm something. It can be a substitute for "wow" or "for real.”


You won the lottery? Eksay, that's incredible!




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