Street Kid

Street kid is a term used in South Africa to refer to homeless kids, living on the streets.


I almost a became a street kid when I lost my mother.

Isgubhu

Isgubhu is a South African slang term that initially meant music drums or a bassline before it later referred to all dance music.


South Africans love any song with isgubhu

Sishumane

Isishumane or sishimane is a South African term used to refer to a single person who is not single by choice. It is mostly used in a mocking manner.


Aisuka, that one sisishumane esikhulu.

Financially deceased

When you are so broke, you literally have nothing left under your name.


1. I've been living on pap and atchaar because I'm financially deceased.

2. I can't pay you this week, I am financially deceased.

Ma1

A noun that describes a state of being overwhelmed by a situation OR refers to a very difficult situation that appears to have no solution.


Haaah ma1 wangu! I don't even have taxi fare to get there.

Fanagalo

Fanagalo or Fanakalo is an informal language mainly spoken in mines across South Africa. It is composed of frequently corrupted elements of the Nguni languages, English and Afrikaans.


I knew they were Zama zamas because I heard them speaking Fanagalo.

Dubane

Dubane is a slang term for the City of Durban. Used predominantly by the Zulu speaking population of KwaZulu Natal.


Hamb' obuza ngami in Dubane they know.

Amabhokobhoko

Amabhokobhoko is the name used to refer to the South African men's rugby team (Springboks).


I won't be available this weekend, I will be watching Amabhokobhoko.

Yah neh

Its a word that is mostly used out of disappointment or maybe when seeking attention from someone who's ignoring you


Outta disappointment : "yah neh,that boy really turned out to be a skrr skrr"

When seeking attention :
you : yah neh😒
Her : what
You : so you just gonna ignore me like that

Chief

General term used by people in politics (comrades) and Tenderpreneurs to refer to each other.


No one:
Comrade: Why are you being emotional, chief? Politics are not for the weak.


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