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.

Tsonga romantic language words used to refers to "I LOVE YOU💚".
Example

Ndza ku rhandza my wife/husband/ and so on.....
NB: It is used at any person whom you want her/(...) to express your love.

Harold Baloyi 29 March 2024
The coloured version of make out ses
Example

Kelly gave me a nice vrystik

BigDRandy12345 28 February 2024
Get a seamstress or a taylor to make you an outfit, because my relationship is getting serious and I may be getting married soon.
Example

Thungisani it's looks like things are looking good.

Ayanda Msibi 15 January 2024
Pardon me. Particularly in an official and formal setting e.g. in a meeting or when asking for forgiveness from the elderly.
Example

"Ngxe, bantakwethu." - Pardon me, my kin.

Tsar 01 November 2023
1. A person considered to be crazy.

1. Also when one has silly notions, like making fun of others.
Example

1. "Lamfana ligeza." - that guy is a crazy person.

2. "Uyageza wena." - you are being silly/crazy.

Tsar 01 November 2023
The act of making people who go to groove feel bad about it and make it look like it’s wrong.
Example

I won’t stop going out, you can continue with your groove shaming.

Skhokho 27 October 2023
A trash can, dustbin
Example

Ndizalahla apa le ekumgqomo

ZuluSon 16 October 2023
It refers to the money that is given to a woman after spending a time with her. The money is some sort of thanks giving for pleasure
Example

The Pinkie spend a night with Penny last night. In the morning Pinkie asked mavuso from Penny.

Maeko Penny 13 October 2023
Ingxaza is a Xhosa slang term for pants.
Example

“Chapha chapha chapha, amanzi ingxaza yam”

MXhosa 06 October 2023
Freaky Friday is a day that everyone is allowed to be as freaky as they want, from being a slut to being as creepy. it is celebrated every Friday with the hastag #FreakyFriday
Example

free pass to being Freaky

Onset 18 September 2023
women crush Wednesday is a day dedicated to all the important women in our lives. it's is celebrated every Wednesday with the hastag #WomenCrushWednessday
Example

happy women crush Wednesday to all the women❤️

Onset 18 September 2023
Family bars are what the skrr skrr generation calls clan names (izithakazelo).
Example

Man, I wish I knew how to recite my Family Bars.

Danny 07 September 2023

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