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.

Used to describe someone who tends to do stupid things from time to time.
Example

Why did you do that s'numnum?

Dakalo • 20 April 2025
Igedlela is a Zulu slang term for a car.



Formally, it means kettle.
Example

Ulibonile igedlela lami elisha?



Did you see my new car?

Masiya • 19 April 2025
In South Africa, Model C was the semi-private schools back in the day which were initially only allowing whites.
Example

He speaks that Model C English.

Themba • 27 March 2025
Popularised by rapper Cassper Nyovest, Hosh karamaima means an exceptionally beautiful and distinguished woman characterised by a harmonious blend of striking physical features and admirable qualities.
Example

Have you seen my wife? Hosh Karamaima!

Themba • 27 March 2025
Igali is a term used in parts of the Eastern Cape to refer to a shack.
Example

Igali lam liyavuza.

DRex • 01 March 2025
Is a popular Xhosa slang which means What's going on. It's most popular in the Eastern Cape streets.
Example

Whuzet nawe nalamntana uMbali?

Lisakhanya Ndwayi • 29 January 2025
Creatures which must be avoided by all men To live a peaceful life.
Example

“Bafazi Abanangcondo outy yami”

Andy • 25 January 2025
February 14th is Valentine's Day, a day to express love and affection. It's celebrated by exchanging gifts, and other tokens of affection. just a KAK day that I will never get to celebrate (ntozamashwa)
Example

VALENTINES IS COMING , WHERE IS YOUR BF ? YOU'RE SITTING ALONE , LONELLYYYYYYY

Annie raghu • 24 January 2025
a mortuary , a cold place where deceased people are kept .
Example

unjalonje nizondibona ndiphumle eCebolethu emkhenkceni

Annie raghu • 24 January 2025
Its a Xhosa word meaning lemme sleep . often used when someone is tired & they want to rest
Example

Andidinwe hayi mandilale

Annie raghu • 24 January 2025
Nindahlule is a general Xhosa phrase meaning I'm in disbelief .
Example

out of disappointment : "yho hayi nindahlule"

Annie raghu • 24 January 2025
It's a new word to ask a friend how he/she is doing.
Example

Ekse Bathini nigga?

Lwakhe • 22 January 2025

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