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.

Mamzo is a kasi slang term for mom or mother.
Example

Eish sorry mamzo, I won’t do it again.

Siya • 13 June 2024

GNU

GNU, or Government of National Unity, is a government that was proposed by the ANC after they failed to achieve above 50% in the 2024 Elections. It entails forming a broad coalition government consisting of all parties represented in the national legislature.
Example

I don't know how to feel about this GNU.

Sinazo • 07 June 2024
Wena is a Nguni term that means β€œyou”.
Example

Hey wena, come here.

DRex • 05 June 2024
Itransi is a South African kasi slang term for a car.
Example

The first thing I would buy if I win the lotto is itransi.

DRex • 05 June 2024
Isgubhu is a South African slang term that initially meant music drums or a bassline before it later referred to all dance music.
Example

South Africans love any song with isgubhu

Siya • 04 June 2024
Nelson Mandela was a South African politician, anti-apartheid activist, and statesman who served as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999.
Example

I wonder if Nelson Mandela would be proud of what the ANC is doing to the people of South Africa πŸ€”

OD • 31 May 2024
Durban is a beautiful coastal city in the eastern parts of KZN province, South Africa.
Example

I love the weather in Durban, man.

OD • 31 May 2024

KZN

KZN or KwaZulu Natal is a costal province in South Africa, known for its beaches and mountains. It is dominated by the Zulu tribe.
Example

I need to visit KZN in December.

OD • 31 May 2024

IFP

Inkatha Freedom Party also known as IFP is a right-wing political party in South Africa. It usually challenges ANC in KZN.
Example

IFP is losing votes to MK in KZN.

OD • 31 May 2024

ANC

The African National Congress, known as the ANC is a South African political party that is currently in power.
Example

I would rather die than to vote for the ANC thieves.

OD • 31 May 2024
Umaqondana is a South African slang term for a main chick or β€œthe one”.
Example

Ngimtholile umaqondana.

I have found the one.

DRex • 28 May 2024
Jozi is a colloquial term for Johannesburg, the most populous city in South Africa.
Example

I’m moving to Jozi.

DRex • 28 May 2024

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