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.

It is a language
Example

I speak Tsonga

lesetja 03 July 2023
Ibobosi is a term used in Gqeberha that means a shack.
Example

I'm going back to ibobosi lam very soon.

MXhosa 24 June 2023

BBL

BBL is short for Brazilian Butt Lift. This is what these influencers do to make their nyash big.
Example

“Skatlo nyela wena ka BBL that looks like rugby player’s shoulders” - Seemah

Siya 23 June 2023
Mdantsane is a township in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa. It is the second largest township in South Africa, after Soweto.
Example

That boxer is from the streets of Mdantsane.

Chief 14 June 2023
One thing that makes men go crazy
Example

Ndizthandela nje impundu

iDyan ayinophila uba ayityi mpundu

Sibeko 07 June 2023
A plumber who is the current coach of Kaizer Chiefs.
Example

Don’t worry, Arthur Zwane is rebuilding.

MXhosa 28 May 2023
Gauteng is the smallest yet richest province in South Africa. That is where you will find Johannesburg and Pitori
Example

I was born and raised in the Gauteng Province.

MXhosa 19 May 2023
Amapanyaza is the name given to the Gauteng Crime Prevention Wardens who were deployed by the Premier, Panyaza Lesufi.
Example

Amapanyaza are doing a great job in fighting crime in Gauteng.

MXhosa 19 May 2023
The money given to a woman after spending the night with her.
Example

She left with a random guy yesterday guy and got mavuso in the morning.

Skhokho 11 May 2023
A term used to refer to "something" or a thing.
Example

Have you seen that shandis?

Skhokho 11 May 2023
(noun)

The situation of slipping, tripping or falling down due to external pressures. These might include tertiary academics, relationships, and being broke.
Example

Brother Bernard, this will kill me a real death.

Shaba 30 April 2023
Despite the recent false trends to redefine this prestigious Surname. The Mabena name comes from a long history, stemming from the early Zulu tribe. The people are know as gentle, smart and hardworking. Which comes from their long history where they fought hard to gain independence in a war torn era. They are generally based in the Southern part of Africa. However a significant portion can be found in Europe and North America. To try and define the name Mabena is false as it refers to a group of people as many surnames do. Instead a recognition of the prestige and long history of the name is what matters most. After all, the Mabena name is a noun and can or should not be used as an adjective or verb.
Example

The leader of the community was John Mabena.

Real_Truth 26 April 2023

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