Word of the Day [12 May 2026]

Shisa Nyama

Of Zulu origin, this directly translates to "burn meat". It is the Zulu equivalent to a braai. In most cases, it refers to a place that sells and "braais" meet.


Let's go braai some meat at that Shisa Nyama.

Madumbe

South African potato-like tuber (Colocasia esculenta and Colocasia antiquorum), cultivated mostly in KwaZulu-Natal, greyish in colour and rather tasty. From the isiZulu amadumbe .


When I go to KZN, I have to get myself amadumbe.

SBWL

Sbwl is a Xhosa shorthand for “sabaweli”. Sabaweli, which in turn is a shorthand of “andisabaweli, andisayibaweli, etc.”, is built from the root word “ukubawela” which means to crave, want, desire, wish for, fancy, yearn, etc.


1. Umntu wakho xa ebona mna, uthi sbwl. >> When your person sees me, s/he says sbwl.

2. Sbwl beer today.

3. Sbwl the coronavirus to just disappear. 


Nyaope

The drug that is killing the youth of South Africa. It makes these kids do all crazy things just to get that high.


He is behaving like this because he smoked nyaope.

Laduma

Laduma is a South African phrase that is generally spoken (or screamed) when a goal is scored in soccer.


What a goal... Laduuuuuuumaaaa!!!


Zaka

A kasi word that is used to refer to money. 


I just need some zaka to buy the braai meat and all will be well

Tik

Tik is the South African street name for crystal meth. It also goes by the street name thsuf.


These boys smoke tik and terrorize the community.


THESHA

To work; to get up against all odds and stand on business; uku Thesha


uCishababhemu no Gawst basa thesha phezu kwe tape ezophuma ngey' 19 April.

Stocko

The term refers to a woman or women who are identified as being available for the pleasure and entertainment of men.


John vul'igate, nasi istocko.
John open the gate, we have the stocko.


Khemi

Khemi is a general slang term for muthi or traditional medicine.


He gets his girls using his khemi.

Madiba

A Xhosa clan name that was made famous by former president Nelson Mandela.


Madiba passed away in December 2013.




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