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.

Relebohile Mofokeng, formerly known as Relebohile Ratomo is a South African football player who plays for Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana. He is also known as Cocomelon or President yama2000.
Example

Did you see what Relebohile Mofokeng did over the weekend? 😮‍💨

Cody • 29 November 2024
Sesotho is the South Sotho language of the Basotho people, an official language in Lesotho and South Africa.
Example

I speak SeSotho at home.

Cody • 29 November 2024
What Zulu people call a cellphone that can't connect to the internet and is used strictly for calls and SMSes.
Example

Guy 1: Hey bro, why don't you video call her?

Guy 2: Eish, she uses bhopopo.

• 27 November 2024
Springboks is the name used to refer to the South African National Rugby Team.
Example

The Springboks are currently number one in the world.

Stanley • 19 November 2024
a casual , playful relationship with a short term view. usually referring to cheating
Example

Eddie ojola with everyone

Admin • 11 November 2024
A broke person
Example

You are just "mmege" you have no single cent

Murendeni Lifeline • 30 August 2024
Fong Kong is a term generally used in South Africa to refer to a fake item (it can be fake clothing, fake phone, anything fake).
Example

I won't buy from Sis Ntosh, she sells Fong Kong Air forces.

DRex • 30 August 2024
a fairytale
Example

uthisha uzixoxele inganekwane

Nomzamo • 03 August 2024
Ihoki is a term used to refer to a shack.
Example

I need decoration ideas for ihoki yam.

Siya • 23 July 2024

Nxa

It is used to describe something that is very nice or can be used when you agree or like something
Example

This food is very nxa

Nxa I'll see you later

Anxnymxus008 • 29 June 2024
It's a Xhosa word for a cologne
Example

Can you borrow me your qula

snezzo • 29 June 2024
It's a Xhosa slang word for a watch
Example

Where is ihlongo lam

snezzo • 29 June 2024

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