Skyf

South African slang term for “Please give/pass me”, pronounced as Sk-ey-f.

You don’t use an article (a, an or the) after the word. You just place the subject(what you want) directly after.


Please skyf pipe there. I wanna smoke quick.



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.



Woolworths

Also known as Woolies. This is a retail store that went to a private school. You go in there with your deep Zulu accent, but come out with that private school accent.


1. I speak like this because I drink Woolworths water every morning.

2. Tanqueray is the Woolworths of Gins.



Askies

Askies is an Afrikaans term for Sorry. It is however used informally in almost all the South African languages for apologising.


I didn't see you there, askies for stepping on you.



Dala what you must

Is a South African term that means do what you must / do what you have to do.


Guy 1: When are you paying me my money?
Guy 2: You know I don't have money.
Guy 1: If you don't give me my money now, I will moer you.
Guy 2: Dala what you must, chief.



Addis Ababa

Ethiopia's high-altitude capital and diplomatic center of Africa.


Addis Ababa's African Union headquarters symbolizes continental unity.



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”.


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”)



mjolo

a casual , playful relationship with a short term view. usually referring to cheating


Eddie ojola with everyone



Pozi

The word referring to a "Place", could be a Home, special venue or any place.


We will meet at my Pozi..We will meet at my house.



Mali

A landlocked West African country with a rich history including Timbuktu, facing security challenges.


Mali was home to the medieval Mali Empire, one of Africa's most powerful states.




© 2020 Africtionary®