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.

Masandawana is a nickname for South African soccer team Mamelodi Sundowns.
Example

I'm a loyal supporter of masandawana.

MXhosa • 13 May 2021
Kabo yellow is a nickname for South African soccer team Mamelodi Sundowns. Their home kit is yellow so I am guessing that's where the name comes from.
Example

Q: Which team do you support?

A: Kabo yellow

MXhosa • 13 May 2021
Is a South African term for a tough guy or sgora.
Example

I see you go to the gym now Sgaqagaqa

Skhokho • 13 May 2021
Idinga is a very formal Xhosa term for a date. Not a date as in 13 May, I mean a date as in you go on a date with someone.
Example

I'm going to the mall at 5, ndinedinga with my wife.

MXhosa • 13 May 2021
The most successful soccer team in South Africa (and most rich). It is nicknamed masandawana or kabo yellow.
Example

Mamelodi Sundowns is winning the league again this season, after snatching it from Kaizer Chiefs last season on the last game.

MXhosa • 13 May 2021
Ingquza is a Zulu word that means vagina/pussy.
Example

You need to rest, ingquza yakho is tired.

Bafo • 13 May 2021
Is a colloquial Xhosa term for crazy or mentally disturbed.

It is mostly used as an insult.
Example

Ingathi azithi dadobawo pha apha kuwe wena.

MXhosa • 13 May 2021
Inceku is a Xhosa term form a Man of God.
Example

Sometimes you'd swear azithi dadobawo kwezi nceku.

MXhosa • 13 May 2021
Masepa mean SHIT in South African seSotho languages (SeSotho, SeTswana, SePedi).

Can also be used to refer to a beautiful lady as in like "Ngwanola ona le masepa"

The other term can be used to insult someone as in like "O mpotsa masepa sarn"

Also see Masimba
Example

O mpotsa masepa.

Mr Trends • 12 May 2021
A Xhosa term for No.
Example

Q: Are you hungry?

A: Hayi

MXhosa • 12 May 2021

Ewe

A Xhosa term for Yes.
Example

"Uhayi akasebenzi, kungcono uzame u ewe" - iFani

MXhosa • 12 May 2021
Andizi is a Xhosa term for I am not coming.
Example

Q: Are you coming or not?

A: Andizi!

MXhosa • 12 May 2021

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