Ikhankatha

A Xhosa name for a traditional nurse that takes care of an initiate (umkhwetha) during initiation (circumcision).


Ikhankatha plays a major role during initiation.

Thandiwe

A Zulu name for a girl that means loved one or loved.
Means loved.


Ungothandiwe kakhulu .

Yah neh

Its a word that is mostly used out of disappointment or maybe when seeking attention from someone who's ignoring you


Outta disappointment : "yah neh,that boy really turned out to be a skrr skrr"

When seeking attention :
you : yah neh😒
Her : what
You : so you just gonna ignore me like that

IZawa

A man who has underwent initiation into manhood following the traditional teachings and cultural practices of amaHlubi.


IZawa liyahlonipha.

IZawa is a respectful person

Nyoba

Nyoba is a Xhosa term for bribing. To bribe someone is to ukunyoba.


If I get caught by traffic cops, ndiyanyoba and it all goes well.

Abeg

A pidgin term for "please" or "I beg".


Abeg! No waste my time!

Dubane

Dubane is a slang term for the City of Durban. Used predominantly by the Zulu speaking population of KwaZulu Natal.


Hamb' obuza ngami in Dubane they know.

garri

Garri, pronounced gah-ree,, is made from granulated cassava, a root vegetable that's poisonous unless you peel and cook it first. Commonly found in West Africa, there are two types of garri: yellow and white. The flavor depends on how long it's been fermented and the presence of palm oil.


The prices of staple foods such as rice, beans and garri have increased astronomically.

Rhem

irhem is a colloquial Xhosa term mostly used by ama dyan from East London (eMonti) to refer to sex or a vagina.


Bendisitya irhem izolo.

4-5

A South African slang term for penis


He pulled out his 4-5 out of the blue.




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