A widely used noun and verb for an outdoor ‘barbecue’ where meat is cooked over a fire or coal. A braai is a popular social event in South Africa and even has its own dedicated public holiday, known as National Braai Day, which coincides with Heritage Day celebrated annually on September 24.

Example

Let's go buy some beer and some meat for tonight's braai.

DRex • 16 July 2020

2 0 0

South Africa

Kaffir

A racial slur that was (and still) used by racist whites to refer to black people in South Africa.

Example

She got arrested for calling black protester kaffir.

DRex • 15 April 2021

0 0 0

South Africa

Ag

(exclamation) – Expression of frustration, outrage, impatience or resignation.

Example

Ag no! I spilled coffee on my keyboard again!

Sinazo • 05 May 2021

0 0 0

South Africa

Van toeka

A popular South African Slang term for 'a long time ago' or 'back in the day'

Example

I know your dad from van toeka.

Varsity Dude • 04 August 2021

1 0 0

South Africa

Financially deceased

When you are so broke, you literally have nothing left under your name.

Example

1. I've been living on pap and atchaar because I'm financially deceased.

2. I can't pay you this week, I am financially deceased.

DRex • 16 July 2020

1 0 0

South Africa

isiXhosa

amapakati

Xhosa plural for a chief’s counsellors. The singular is ipakati. From pachatu an ancient Babylonia word for governor.

Example

My ancestors were amapakati of Chief Ngqika.

Sgasa • 21 May 2025

0 0 0

Nigeria

Old Taker

Older Taker is referring to an Old thief

Example

This is an old Taker, this means this person in said is an old thief

French Ovotu Abraham • 29 August 2025

1 0 0

South Africa

isiZulu

Madumbe

South African potato-like tuber (Colocasia esculenta and Colocasia antiquorum), cultivated mostly in KwaZulu-Natal, greyish in colour and rather tasty. From the isiZulu amadumbe .

Example

When I go to KZN, I have to get myself amadumbe.

DRex • 05 May 2021

1 0 0