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.

IFP

Inkatha Freedom Party also known as IFP is a right-wing political party in South Africa. It usually challenges ANC in KZN.
Example

IFP is losing votes to MK in KZN.

OD 31 May 2024

ANC

The African National Congress, known as the ANC is a South African political party that is currently in power.
Example

I would rather die than to vote for the ANC thieves.

OD 31 May 2024
Dhloogle is a term used on X, formerly Twitter to refer to Sizwe Dhlomo’s tendency of “knowing” everything under the sun. You can ask him anything and he will have an answer. No articles, no references, just him being sure about everything.
Example

Guy 1: I just heard that in 1994, ANC won the elections but Nelson Mandela made the call to give it to the IFP for stability.



Guy 2: where did you hear that?



Guy 1: From Dhloogle.

OD 31 May 2024
Normally used when asking what is wrong or what is going on.
Example

Huzet ngawe?(What is wrong with you), huzet?( What happened)

Ibhudda 29 May 2024
Umaqondana is a South African slang term for a main chick or “the one”.
Example

Ngimtholile umaqondana.

I have found the one.

DRex 28 May 2024
Jozi is a colloquial term for Johannesburg, the most populous city in South Africa.
Example

I’m moving to Jozi.

DRex 28 May 2024
Jukulyn is a very dangerous area of Soshanguve, beginning at the north end of the Mabopane Highway. Ambulances, courier services, e-hailing taxis and even pizza deliveries are a no-go in Jukulyn.
Example

She wanted me to go pick her up kgante she stays in Jukulyn. I am not risking my life.

Morena 24 May 2024
Ntjaka is a Sotho slang term that loosely translates to "my dog". It is used in the context of a friend (my friend).
Example

I'll see you tomorrow, ntjaka.

Morena 24 May 2024
Mfanaka is a Sotho term that loosely translates to "my boy". It is used to mean my friend, my bro.
Example

Eita, dintshang mfanaka?

How's it going, my boy.

Morena 24 May 2024
Nnyo is a Sotho term that means cunt or pussy.
Example

Ke nyaka nnyo today.

Morena 22 May 2024
An entreprennyo is someone who exchanges nnyo (pussy/cunt) for money.
Example

She just bought a new car, she’s a real entreprennyo.

Morena 22 May 2024
Nikhona is a Nguni term that means “are y’all here?” or “are y’all around?”

This term is mostly seen in TikTok comments by South Africans when they invade people’s comment sections.
Example

No one:



South Africans in comments: Nikhona? 🇿🇦

Chief 17 May 2024

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