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.

A very strong strain of dagga or weed grown in Durban.
Example

This is not your normal shit, this is Durban poison.

Siya 13 June 2024
Daka Boy is a derogatory term for someone who mixes the cement during construction.
Example

He lied to you, he’s not the foreman, he’s the Daka Boy.

Siya 13 June 2024
Mamzo is a kasi slang term for mom or mother.
Example

Eish sorry mamzo, I won’t do it again.

Siya 13 June 2024

GNU

GNU, or Government of National Unity, is a government that was proposed by the ANC after they failed to achieve above 50% in the 2024 Elections. It entails forming a broad coalition government consisting of all parties represented in the national legislature.
Example

I don't know how to feel about this GNU.

Sinazo 07 June 2024
Wena is a Nguni term that means “you”.
Example

Hey wena, come here.

DRex 05 June 2024
Itransi is a South African kasi slang term for a car.
Example

The first thing I would buy if I win the lotto is itransi.

DRex 05 June 2024
Isgubhu is a South African slang term that initially meant music drums or a bassline before it later referred to all dance music.
Example

South Africans love any song with isgubhu

Siya 04 June 2024
Iphara is a South African slang term for a drug addict, mostly those ones who terrorise the community.
Example

He was doing well until he started smoking nyaope. He has now become iphara.

Siya 04 June 2024
Nelson Mandela was a South African politician, anti-apartheid activist, and statesman who served as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999.
Example

I wonder if Nelson Mandela would be proud of what the ANC is doing to the people of South Africa 🤔

OD 31 May 2024
Sizwe Dhlomo is a South African tweleb and part time radio show host. He is always giving “expert” opinion on every topic on X, formerly Twitter, which inspired the term Dhloogle.
Example

“I know it’s correct cause Sizwe Dhlomo said it” - said no one ever.

OD 31 May 2024
Durban is a beautiful coastal city in the eastern parts of KZN province, South Africa.
Example

I love the weather in Durban, man.

OD 31 May 2024

KZN

KZN or KwaZulu Natal is a costal province in South Africa, known for its beaches and mountains. It is dominated by the Zulu tribe.
Example

I need to visit KZN in December.

OD 31 May 2024

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