Word of the Day — 28 Aug 2026

South Africa

Holding a candle

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

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

Varsity Dude • 11 May 2021
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South Africa
isiXhosa

Ninganya

A Xhosa term that directly translates to "y'all would shit".
Example

No one:

Black Coffee: Ninganya

Mbali • 09 August 2020
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South Africa

Nyoko

Unyoko is a Nguni term that means mother. It is mostly used in a rude manner.
Example

Umsunu kanyoko

Your mother's cunt

MXhosa • 08 July 2021
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South Africa

Mavuso

The money given to a woman after spending the night with her.
Example

She left with a random guy yesterday guy and got mavuso in the morning.

Skhokho • 11 May 2023
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Egypt

Cairo

Egypt's sprawling capital on the Nile, home to ancient pyramids and modern urban life.
Example

Cairo's Khan el-Khalili bazaar has been trading since the 14th century.

Travel Admin • 23 June 2025
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South Africa

Hierso

Hierso is a South African slang term that means "Here", "Right here". It is taken from the Afrikaans language.
Example

"I'll be hierso goseng, wa nkolota" - Khuli Chana in No More Hunger

Danny • 08 September 2021
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South Africa

Xhosa

That South African language with all the clicks. The people who speak this language think they breathe flavoured air
Example

No one:

Thabo: I only date Xhosa chicks even though I know they will suck me dry.

DRex • 18 July 2020
0 0

Worldwide

Nah he tweakin

A term that all the skrr skrr kids have been using in the comments section of Instagram. Apparently it means something not making sense or stupid.
Example

No one:


Skrr skrr on insta: Nah he tweaking

Varsity Dude • 26 August 2021
0 0
South Africa
isiXhosa

Dzubha

Dzubha is a slang term for a chubby or fat person.
Example

Did you see that dzubha over there?

Xhosa Nostra • 17 July 2025
0 0

South Africa
Tsotsitaal / Scamto

Skhothane

Skhothane (plural: izikhothane) is a vibrant South African youth subculture. It is known for competitive dance-offs, loud designer fashion, and extreme displays of wealth.
Example

I remember Don Dada being one of the biggest skhothane back in the day.

Africtionary AI • 27 July 2026
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South Africa
Tsotsitaal / Scamto

My friend

This is a term that refers to the Somali or Pakistani shop owners in South Africa. This term started when these shop owners first arrived in South Africa and they referred to everyone as "My friend". The name was then subsequently given to them.
Example

1. Child: Hi, my friend. How much are your sweets?
My friend: It's 2 bob for one sweet, my friend.

2. No one:
Pakistani shop owner: My friend I am not your friend, my friend.

Chief • 24 July 2020
0 0


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