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”)



Sabhongo

Isabhongo is a Xhosa term for that smelly burp, especially after you mix amasi and meat.


What’s that smell? 🤢

Ungodly isabhongo usisi wakho.



Auti

A man/boy/guy, also synonymous with "gent", "mjita".
Plural: Ma auti


I was out with ma auti



Zimbabwe

A Southern African country with Victoria Falls, rich mineral resources, and economic challenges.


Zimbabwe's Great Zimbabwe ruins are a UNESCO World Heritage site from an ancient civilization.



Pedi

Pedi is a South African language spoken by a group of people known as the Marota/Bapedi.


I am a proud Pedi.



blikkie

A tin can.


Pass us the blikkie, bru.



Nyash

Buttocks, bums, irrespective of gender.


Look at Layla's nyash.



Kari

Ikari is a kasi term for a car.


Uthenge ikari ne dlala.
He bought a car and a house.



Kraal

An enclosure for livestock, or a rural village of huts surrounded by a stockade.


Make sure the kraal is clean before the elders come back.



Makoya

A South African term that denotes that a person or thing that is authentic, real, or legitimate.


Zambuk is the real makoya.




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