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.

Yt pipo is a popular term on social media that refers to "White People"
Example

I'm not surprised, akere it's Yt pipo.

Varsity Dude 08 August 2021
Thuso Phala is a popular dance move that was first started by the South African soccer player named Thuso Phala.
Example

I'm learning the Thuso Phala dance.

Varsity Dude 08 August 2021
To mize is to overlook/ignore something or someone intentionally.
Example

Girls will mize you when you are broke!

Varsity Dude 08 August 2021
Unozethe is what Xhosa people say to refer to someone who is extremely annoying.
Example

Yhu unezothe ke la bhuti.

That man is extremely annoying.

MXhosa 05 August 2021
Fokkol is a popular South African term for Nothing, dololo, nix.
Example

I fear fokkol!!!

Varsity Dude 04 August 2021
A popular South African Slang term for 'a long time ago' or 'back in the day'
Example

I know your dad from van toeka.

Varsity Dude 04 August 2021

Tao

Tao is a slang term for a 'thousand' (money).
Example

My life would be better if I could get 5 tao right now.

Mr Trends 04 August 2021
It is really good; it is intense.

Used to signify fun or excitement.
Example

Yebo, ziyaporoma
Tshela u-barman nomayini

Mr Trends 04 August 2021
Msotra is the slang term for Soweto township.
Example

Ngise Msotra and I'm chillin' with the thugs

DRex 04 August 2021
Idlala is a Kasi term for a house.
Example

I want to buy idlala before I turn 30.

Skhokho 04 August 2021
Ikari is a kasi term for a car.
Example

Uthenge ikari ne dlala.
He bought a car and a house.

Skhokho 04 August 2021
Rekere is a Fool
Example

O nketsa rekere(You are making me a fool)

Dee 69 01 August 2021

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