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.

Cherry is a Kasi term to refer to a girl/female. It can also be used to refer specifically to a girlfriend
Example

Ndikhumbula icherry yam ngoku.

MXhosa • 24 January 2022
A very cool humble guy whom everyone thinks his hot, attractive and liked by many.
Example

My crush is Sandile

Costa • 23 January 2022
Umahlalela is a Xhosa term for an unemployed person.
Example

uRamaphosa uyamthanda umahlalela, uvele amnike iR350.

Ramaphosa loves the unemployed, he just gives them R350.

MXhosa • 09 January 2022
Impama is a Nguni term for slap.
Example

Ndizakufaka impama

I will slap you

MXhosa • 06 January 2022
A beautiful person
Example

Bona lezothi

AishArn • 01 December 2021
Ukuxhoma is a general Kasi term that means flexing or showing off.
Example

Ever since he got his RAF money, uyaxhoma now.

DRex • 21 November 2021
I don’t know
Example

Yhoo andiyazi chom

lisa • 20 November 2021
To flex or to show off
Example

Nna nkao tempela, net akerato bolela thata, ke dealer ka action.

Mr Trends • 19 November 2021
To claim you can do something, or you can do it better.
Example

Wena awitsi selo wa're tempela fela.

Mr Trends • 19 November 2021
Qhoqhoqho is a Xhosa term for the trachea (windpipe/throat).
Example

Ndizakuqhawula uqhoqhoqho.

I will slit your throat.

MXhosa • 13 November 2021
A South African Musician That wants a family that looks like Beyoncé’s & to grow old with his partner.
Example

Baby ndicela ichance ndiku bonise ngifuna umndeni wethu ufane noBeyonce. Start a generation sibe habo grams. Kido Lava On Yafinijwa

Keith • 12 November 2021
Iqaza is a Xhosa slang term for a shoe or shoes.
Example

Ndibone enye iqaza egrand eSportscene.

I saw these other nice shoes at Sportscene.

MXhosa • 05 November 2021

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