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 popular South African dance that was created by DJ Bongz. It has been performed by a lot of big stars including Rihanna and Paul Pogba.
Example

Did you see Paul Pogba doing the Gwara gwara?

Skhokho 30 April 2021
The word is used as an intentional misspelling and pronunciation of the word ‘amandla’ which means strength.



The word was popularised on social media after Naomi Campbell said ‘amandala’ instead of the correct ‘amandla’ at the Global Citizen Festival in 2018.
Example

You'll be strong. Hayi wethu Amandala to you.

Sinazo 30 April 2021
When university students don't attend lectures and just submit their assignments, write tests and exams (Like UNISA students.
Example

Yoh dawg, I don't remember the last time I attended a lecture. I've been pulling a UNISA this semester.

Varsity Dude 30 April 2021
University of South Africa - The biggest University in South Africa in terms of number of students. It is known for its distance learning programmes. Majority of students who go here are not at an actual campus. Covid found them ready.
Example

I have applied at UNISA, I want to study while chilling at home.

Varsity Dude 30 April 2021
It's the face of a person who has been drinking for a long time / a drunkard. That face that looks like leather.
Example

This person is old, can't you see that phuza face?

Skhokho 29 April 2021
A term that is used to refer to light skinned people (mostly girls).

If you are a guy and someone calls you a yellow bone, then something is wrong my guy 😂
Example

We were just chilling and this yellow bone came in and everyone was looking at her. It was like a dream 😍

Skhokho 29 April 2021
Is a Volkswagen Golf car. It was named this because of the explosive noise it makes (vrrrrrr phaaaa).
Example

He came in with a vrr phaa and all the girls went crazy.

Skhokho 29 April 2021
An informal Xhosa slang term for "I am so happy / I am so excited". It is shortened from "Andisavuyi"
Example

Kaizer Chiefs lost to Chippa Utd today, savuyi mntkbw.

Sinazo 28 April 2021
Ngiyakukhumbula, meaning I miss you
Example

Girl: So whats up.
Guy: NYKL
Girl: Me Too

Mntungwa27 28 April 2021
Girls these days say they are in Japan to indicate that they are on their periods.
This is due to the flag of Japan, all white with a big red dot (indicates period blood in this case). 🇯🇵
Example

Yoh mntase, I was so worried that I won't go to Japan this month but I woke up in Japan today.

Skhokho 28 April 2021
Another slang term for South Africa.

Also see South Ah
Example

Madumane: Thank you Sauta for the love.

Skhokho 28 April 2021
Another slang term for South Africa, mostly used in Social Media.
Example

Twitter post caption: It can only be South Ah

Skhokho 28 April 2021

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