Word of the Day [07 Jul 2025]

Gombo

The indigenous name for the City of East London meaning the new farming area or new development. The name was given by the precolonial Xhosas to the City following its establishment after the Sixth Frontier War. Today it is mistakenly pronounced Gompo
owing to the Christianization of the Xhosa language by early African converts writers who owing to growing up in mission station could not comprehend Xhosa properly and had a habit of changing the spelling of Xhosa words they did not understand.


Going to East London?
I’m going to Gombo

Umjolo

A Xhosa word for dating


Umjolo uzokulimaza mntase

Skoon

Having sex without a condom.


I'm going in there skoon baba.

Mabena

Despite the recent false trends to redefine this prestigious Surname. The Mabena name comes from a long history, stemming from the early Zulu tribe. The people are know as gentle, smart and hardworking. Which comes from their long history where they fought hard to gain independence in a war torn era. They are generally based in the Southern part of Africa. However a significant portion can be found in Europe and North America. To try and define the name Mabena is false as it refers to a group of people as many surnames do. Instead a recognition of the prestige and long history of the name is what matters most. After all, the Mabena name is a noun and can or should not be used as an adjective or verb.


The leader of the community was John Mabena.

Sondela

Sondela is a Xhosa term that means come closer.


Sondela, sthandwa, sondela.

Mgqakhwe

In Xhosa, umgqakhwe is a derogatory term used to refer to someone born out of wedlock.


"Makungangeni mgqakhwe ebandleni likaYehova; nesizukulwana sawo seshumi masingangeni ebandleni likaYehova." - deuteronomy 23
"No one born of a forbidden marriage nor any of his descendants may enter the assembly of the LORD, even down to the tenth generation."

Tribalism

Tribalism is the attitude and practice of harbouring such a strong feeling of loyalty or bonds to one's tribe that one excludes or even demonises other tribes that do not belong to that group.


Tribalism is setting us back as black South Africans.

Amachankura

Is a slang term for money.


I need amachankura.

Holding a candle

A term used when someone tags along with a couple, either on a date or when they are just chilling.


I'm tired of always being the one holding a candle. I need a girlfriend.

Derogatory

Showing a critical or disrespectful attitude.


she keeps telling me I'm fat and she is always making derogatory remarks.

Dankie

Dankie is an Afrikaans term for "thank you". It is however used informally in almost all the South African languages for showing gratitude.


Man 1: You left your phone in the bathroom, I left it at the reception.
Man 2: Dankie, chief.



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