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.

Bleak

NEW
Without hope
Example

The situation was looking bleak for him.

JABUMGWENA • 19 September 2026
The female originator and queen of Skamelian culture from Ndebele Street 707, Kameelrivier B; a woman who embodies the Skamelian style, dance, beauty, and hustle of 707 - confident, stylish, and respected as the female counterpart to Skamelian Man
Example

A Skamelian Woman from 707 Ndebele street kameeelrivier B Siyabuswa showed Us true Ndebele pride

Pronunciation
by Anti Devil
Anti Devil • 16 September 2026

Bleskop

NEW
An Afrikaans colloquial term meaning a bald head or bald-headed person.
Example

He decided to cut his head; he now has a bleskop

Chief • 16 September 2026

Bhudi

NEW
Friend, buddy, or mate. Used to address someone to you especially a man
Example

Wassup bhudi, where you at?
Thanks bhudi, you saved me.

Atikel • 13 September 2026

POISSED

NEW
Ability to act calm or confident.
Example

This football team is poised to win the match.

Pronunciation
by JABUMGWENA
JABUMGWENA • 13 September 2026
also South Africa, Botswana

Fokol

NEW
Not at all or nothing at all.
Example

Did you get anything from your parents?
No, fokol my sister

ReginaNdzo • 13 September 2026

Hyena

NEW
hyena A hyena is a medium-to-large carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Hyaenidae.
Example

I saw a hyena.

Pronunciation
by Anna
Anna • 13 September 2026
Something that is enjoyable, pleasant, excellent or very good.
Example

We had a lekker time at the braai.

Pronunciation
by Ronald
Ronald • 11 September 2026
The belief in our shared humanity, kindness, compassion and the idea that we become better through caring for and supporting one another.
Example

Her willingness to help a stranger showed true ubuntu

Pronunciation
by Faith
Faith • 11 September 2026
also Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho
Mobile Money
Example

Please send me Mpesa

ReginaNdzo • 11 September 2026
Bread, especially loaf.
Example

Please buy me Senkoa and milk.

ReginaNdzo • 11 September 2026
Mzala is a Nguni term for Cousin.
Example

Mzala siyakwazi.
Cousin, we know you.

Chief • 09 September 2026

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