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.

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
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
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
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 β€˜amandla’ which means strength.



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

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

Sinazo • 30 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
Ngiyakukhumbula, meaning I miss you
Example

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

Mntungwa27 • 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
Masimba mean SHIT in South African Zulu and Xhosa languages. I know in Zimbabwe (Shona) it means something different.
Example

Uthetha amasimba.

Translation: You are talking shit

Skhokho • 28 April 2021
A very dope musician under Dj Maphorisa's label. He is Maphorisa's alter ego.
Example

Madumane ke star.

Skhokho • 28 April 2021

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