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.

Having sex without a condom.
Example

I'm going in there skoon baba.

MXhosa • 17 May 2021
In Zulu/Xhosa mythology, Tikoloshe, Tokoloshe, Tokolotshe, De'Avion or Hili is a dwarf-like water sprite. It is considered a mischievous and evil spirit that can become invisible by drinking water or swallowing a stone. Tokoloshes are called upon by malevolent people to cause trouble for others.
Example

*My child misbehaves*

Me: If you don't behave, I will call the tikoloshe to beat you.

MXhosa • 17 May 2021
A slang term or kasi term for BMW 325is.
Example

They were spinning that gusheshe like crazy in Gomora last night.

MXhosa • 17 May 2021
Is a Xhosa term used when you don't know the name of something or the term for something. Can also be used when you don't know someone's name.
Example

1. I had that Mc nton nton burger from Mc Donald's.

2. Mr. Nton nton from school called again.

MXhosa • 16 May 2021
A phrase used by someone who isn't in the mood for anything
Example

Akere you can see that I'm not in the mood? Nzame fela ke tlo bontsha Mmao

Colani • 16 May 2021
Impimpi is a South African term for a snitch.
Example

Impimpi used to be burnt during the apartheid days.

MXhosa • 16 May 2021
Is a South African slang term for prison or jail.
Example

Idanyane can cause you to do things you never thought you'd do.

MXhosa • 16 May 2021
Isjumbane is a weapon used in prison to beat a person up. It is a snooker (pool) ball put inside a sock or a metal cup hooked in a belt.
Example

They broke his teeth when they were beating him up with a sjumbane.

MXhosa • 16 May 2021

560

560 is a Xhosa slang term for main chick or the main partner.
Example

I can't date you cause you know I have a 560.

MXhosa • 15 May 2021
Gintsa or ginsa is a South African term for a thug, mostly those who hijack cars.
Example

She is dating a gintsa hence she has so much money now.

DRex • 15 May 2021
Ikuku is a Xhosa term for a vagina or pussy.
Example

"I make that kuku phrrr" - Big Xhosa

MXhosa • 15 May 2021
Mgarimbe is the legend who gave us the hit song Sister Betina.
Example

Mgarimbe deserves a lifetime achievement award.

MXhosa • 13 May 2021

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