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 Venda name which means protection.
Example

People use condoms as a way of protection.

Tsireledzo Michael 13 June 2022
Mandla Ncikazi (born 16 February 1969) is a Plumber And South African professional soccer former player who is part of the technical staff at South African Premier Division club Orlando Pirates.
Example

When someone arms are Crossed , with shoulders pulled together and hands that rub over the arms or sides (a self-soothing motion). Slower movements than usual. Half-formed movements, as if the character doesn't have the energy for more. You can then refer that person as Mandla Ncikazi

Mcebisi Ngubane 10 June 2022

DSD

DSD DUBULA SODUBULANA ugqoko oludlela imbongolo is the name of an african legend who has contributed a lot to the music genre of Maskandi
Example

uma nilahla uDSD nina nizoshonaphi

Luphi ugqoko is a chant or a phrase introduced by Bhinca Nation especially Blue Reigning Nation meaning "Where is the wooden tray/wooden board". It is directed to Khangelani DSD "Isilo" "Ugqoko lukazwelonke" Mhlongo, who has contributed a lot in South African traditional Music, Maskandi.
Example

Luphi ugqoko lukazwelonke? Luuuuphi?

Mlindo 10 June 2022
Word used to express disbelief, surprise, dissatisfaction
Example

Bathong...he really ate all those chilli's

Pooler 09 June 2022
Is a language created by dutch people, although in dutch translates to african it is not of that origin.
Example

I just learned to speak afrikaans.

Mike 08 June 2022
When a group of Maskandi Artists chants to see their King of Kings (Isilo) in the Maskandi genre. The current King of Kings is Dr Khangelani "DSD" “uGqoko” Mhlongo.
Example

Ziyahlaba izinsizwa “LUPHI UGQOKO” lwethu

Maskandi King 05 June 2022
Sisekakeni is a general Xhosa phrase that means we are in trouble. It directly translates to "we are in shit" or "we are in deep shit"
Example

Friend: The petrol prices went up again.

Me: Sisekakeni

MXhosa 02 June 2022
Isithembu is the practice of marrying multiple wives (Polygamy).
Example

Isithembu is becoming popular again in South Africa.

MXhosa 30 May 2022
Igwijo or amagwijo are Xhosa songs that are usually sung in events such as sporting events or traditional events. They are sometimes made up on the spot.
Example

I'm only going to that game for amagwijo.

MXhosa 29 May 2022
Jiki jiki means all of a sudden or suddenly.
Example

When we were growing you were dark, jiki jiki you are a yellow bone.

Skhokho 26 May 2022
A Facebook Celebrity!

A feleb is a person who is famous on Facebook but not really famous in real life.
Example

That one is only a feleb, nothing much.

Skhokho 20 May 2022

© 2020 Africtionary®