South Africa Slang Dictionary

South African slang is a rich, multilingual mix that borrows freely from the country's eleven official languages - isiZulu, isiXhosa, Afrikaans, Sesotho and more - plus street languages like tsotsitaal and Sepitori. It's the language of the townships, the taxi rank, kwaito and amapiano, and everyday Mzansi life from Joburg to Cape Town to Durban. Words like eish, howzit, lekker, sharp sharp and yebo are woven into how South Africans speak every day. Explore the community-built dictionary of South African slang below - and add the words you know.

The South African former president.
Example

Times were nice during Jacob Zuma’s time.

Chief 2 days ago
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is a South African tender prophet and criminal suspect known for his involvement in large state contracts and related controversies.
Example

Cat Matlala’s case is an interesting one.

Chief 2 days ago

AmaZulu

NEW
AmaZulu Football Club is a South African professional soccer club based in the city of Durban in the KwaZulu Natal province, that plays in the Betway Premiership, the first tier of the South African football league system.
Example

I can’t wait to see what 10111 Arthur Zwane is cooking with AmaZulu this season.

Chief 3 days ago

Shangaan

NEW
The Shangaan people are a Southern African Bantu ethnic group formed in the 19th century when Zulu warriors led by Soshangane conquered and assimilated indigenous Tsonga people. Primarily residing in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, they are renowned for a rich culture that blends Nguni traditions with Tsonga language (Xitsonga) and history.
Example

I am looking for my Shangaan family.

Chief 3 days ago

Bade

NEW
Equivalent of the English word Buddy.
Example

Wola bade.

Pronunciation
by CapraNubiana
CapraNubiana 3 days ago

10111

NEW
10111, not to be confused with the police number, is the nickname that was given to Arthur Zwane (Mangethe) during his playing days.
Example

Arthur 10111 Zwane is doing well at AmaZulu.

Pronunciation
by CG
CG 4 days ago

10111

NEW
10111 is the number for Police in South Africa. It is the equivalent of 911.

The downside is that it probably won’t be answered so don’t bother calling it when in an emergency.
Example

I tried calling 10111 five times but no one is picking up.

CG 4 days ago

Peto

NEW
Peto is a Xhosa feminine slang term for "friend".
Example

Hayi peto, where are you going?

Chief 4 days ago
A Zulu word used to say “I’m going to give you a hiding/spanking”
Example

After disrespecting my mom
She said to me, “ngizokubonya” , I knew I was in a serious spanking

Lungi 4 days ago

Tshemba

NEW
Itshemba (pronounced Chamber) is what Xhosa people call a bucket used to pee at night, to avoid going to pee outside. This is used when there is no inside toilet.
Example

Baby iphi itshemba, I want to pee.

Thor 16 July 2026
It’s chai is a South African slang term for it’s over.
Example

The game is almost over and the score 5-0. Ay it’s chai for for that team.

Danny 10 July 2026

Nkunkqa

NEW
Inkunkqa is a Xhosa term for that dirty white thing inside an uncircumcised penis.
Example

Go bath, ude wanayo ne nkunkqa.

MXhosa 16 July 2026

© 2020 Africtionary®