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.

A term used to refer to a bribe, usually given to cops or traffic officers.
Example

I gave him some tjotjo and he let me go.

Skhokho 01 May 2021
The 750ml or 660ml beer or cider (quart).

Can also be called Ngud (without the last u)
Example

Yabona ng'zomosha kakhulu

Ng'zoshay'iNgud

Skhokho 01 May 2021
A very offensive word that is used to refer to a foreigner.

Same as kwerekwere.
Example

Stop calling our brothers and sisters amagweja!

Bafo 01 May 2021

Res

Res is a shortened name for a University or college residence.
Example

I have applied for res because I am tired of staying at home.

Bafo 01 May 2021
Roomza / Rumza is your roommate. It is mostly used to refer to res roommate or hostel roommate.
Example

My roomza likes stealing my groceries.

Bafo 01 May 2021
In South Africa, a bakkie refers to a pick-up truck.
Example

I need to get myself a bakkie for when I go to the villages.

Skhokho 01 May 2021
A Mabena is a person who is always making mistakes and who is a disappointment.
Example

Disappoint me again, Mabena.

Skhokho 01 May 2021
A term that is used to refer to a beautiful woman.

Can also be spelt as chandapha.
Example

yoh this girl ke shandapha.

Skhokho 01 May 2021
What bitter people say after they've lost an argument but still do not want to admit that they were wrong.
Example

It does not matter what you say, oksalayo I can beat you.

Skhokho 01 May 2021
The person who is making sure that the braai meat is properly done and everything goes well during a braai.
Example

The braai master for today's braai was Thabo hence the meat is not nice.

Skhokho 30 April 2021
Another word for sex. It is called tlof tlof because of the sounds during sex.
Example

He started crying during tlof tlof.

Skhokho 30 April 2021
Regardless of all facts presented before me, I reiterate that my misinformed, obscure perspective is still valid whether you like it or not.
Example

Oksalayo Kaizer Chiefs is still the best team in the country.

Varsity Dude 30 April 2021

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