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

Gomora

The nickname for township of Alexandra in Johannesburg., also known as Alex. It has been compared to the Gomora in the Bible.


If you value your safety, don't drive in Gomora at night

Is not make sure

To say that something is not good, not convincing, an overreach or delusional at the worst.


Ay this new Amapiano dance trend on TikTok is not make sure.

Amandala

The word is used as an intentional misspelling and pronunciation of the word ‘amandla’ which means strength.

The word was popularised on social media after Naomi Campbell said ‘amandala’ instead of the correct ‘amandla’ at the Global Citizen Festival in 2018.


You'll be strong. Hayi wethu Amandala to you.

Inyanga

Inyanga is mostly a traditional herbalist and does not usually perform rituals that are common to those that a Sangoma performs.


I went to see Inyanga when I was not feeling well.

Ghost Lady

Ghost Lady is the co-host of the popular South African Podcast called Podcast and Chill with MacG and Sol Phenduka. As the name suggests, she doesn't appear on camera and her real name is unknown, but she plays a major role in the running of the Podcast.


I wish I could see Ghost Lady some day.

Dire Dawa

Commercial hub with distinctive architecture blending Ethiopian and French styles.


Dire Dawa's Kezira district features unique arcaded buildings.

Ag

(exclamation) – Expression of frustration, outrage, impatience or resignation.


Ag no! I spilled coffee on my keyboard again!

Pulling a UNISA

When university students don't attend lectures and just submit their assignments, write tests and exams (Like UNISA students.


Yoh dawg, I don't remember the last time I attended a lecture. I've been pulling a UNISA this semester.

Stockvel

A stokvel is a savings pool where a group of individuals contribute an agreed-upon monthly amount. The group have full control of how they would like to use that money. Two common methods are to pay out monthly or annually. The group can make monthly pay-outs, or they could keep investing their savings and get a lump sum at the end of the year.


I have joined a stockvel with the members of my community where we get monthly payouts.

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.



© 2020 Africtionary®