Zambuk

Zambuk Ointment is a popular ointment used for temporary relief of pain and itch. In Mzansi, it is mostly used for lips. People carry it in their pockets and bags. It is one of the most stolen items, together with pens at school.


Can I use your zambuk.



Wits

University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. Students who go here think they breathe flavoured air and will make sure you know it.


No one:
Wits student: Wits is better than UCT but this is a conversation y'all are not ready for.



Pesa

In Swahili "Pesa" means money.


Jamaa ana pesa nyingi



OT

A person's basic attitude, beliefs, or feelings in relation to a particular subject or issue


Don't you have an OT to guide yourself?



ZAR

The South African currency, also known as Rand or just an "R".


I need ZAR 50 million right now.



Mahala

A Zulu term that means for nothing. Free; obtained without payment or difficulty. It is however not only used by Zulu, it has been incorporated to modern South African lingo.


Buy 1 drink and get the second one mahala.



Mntase

Homie, Dear or Friend in a South African Xhosa language


You don't have to worry mntase, all shall be well



Khongolose

"Khongolose" is a Zulu word, often used colloquially, that translates to "congress" or "the ANC," which stands for the African National Congress, a South African political party. It's essentially a slang term or a nickname for the ANC.


Phatha Khongolose, phatha.



Jiva

Jiva is a kasi term for dancing. It can also be spelt as Jaiva.


Ey wena uyathanda uku jiva.
You like dancing



Chapwa

From the Bemba word "to finish," it's used to mean "it's over," "it's done," or "that's it." It can also be used to end a conversation or a situation.


The meeting has ended. Chapwa.




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