Word of the Day [14 May 2026]

Plumber

In South African football, the term "plumber" is a derogatory slang used to describe a coach, often a foreign one, perceived as underperforming or lacking the intellectual or tactical acumen to succeed in the sport. It implies a coach is more suited to a trade like plumbing than managing a football team.


I see Orlando Pirates just hired a plumber to replace Riveiro.

Jukulyn

Jukulyn is a very dangerous area of Soshanguve, beginning at the north end of the Mabopane Highway. Ambulances, courier services, e-hailing taxis and even pizza deliveries are a no-go in Jukulyn.


She wanted me to go pick her up kgante she stays in Jukulyn. I am not risking my life.

Ingwe

Ingwe in a Xhosa and Zulu word for a leopard.


Ingwe idla ngamabala.


Inxila

Inxila is a Xhosa term for a drunkard.


Ubhuti wakho linxila lokwenyani.
Translation: Your brother is a real drunkard.

Colloquial

(of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.


We use a lot of colloquial terms in our everyday lingo.


Al Ahly

The best soccer team in Africa.


Al Ahly beat Kaizer Chiefs 3-0 to claim the CAF Champions league.

Ngxe

Pardon me. Particularly in an official and formal setting e.g. in a meeting or when asking for forgiveness from the elderly.


"Ngxe, bantakwethu." - Pardon me, my kin.


Plug

plug is a word used by Xhosa people that means HIV & AIDS


yho njayam lawei ine plug

Algiers

Algeria's whitewashed capital with French colonial boulevards.


Algiers' Casbah is a UNESCO-listed maze of Ottoman-era alleys.


Mamelodi Sundowns

The most successful soccer team in South Africa (and most rich). It is nicknamed masandawana or kabo yellow.


Mamelodi Sundowns is winning the league again this season, after snatching it from Kaizer Chiefs last season on the last game.

Imoto

Imoto is a Nguni term for a car.


Xhosa: Ndiyayithanda imoto yam.
Zulu: Ngiyayithanda imoto yami.




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