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.

This is the most common curse word, mostly used to chase a dog away.

Some may spell it as Tsek
Example

Hey voetsek wena spottie. Go away.

Chief 10 July 2020
The guy who buys the alcohol and make sure that everyone is taken care of.
Example

If you still want to drink, please o ska bora moreki my sister.

Chief 10 July 2020
This is the job of the person taking the front sit in the taxi, i.e counting money and providing change.
Example

He was moered by taxi maths

DRex 10 July 2020
A younger person, especially a younger male such as a younger brother or son.
Example

Come here my laaitie

Mr Trends 10 July 2020
The mask wearing guy (Kwaito star), whom people say is DJ Sbu.
Example

They say Mzekezeke can be anyone.

DRex 10 July 2020
The South African National Anthem, written and performed by our very own, Mgarimbe.
Example

They all lost their minds when Sister Betina started playing.

DRex 10 July 2020
A privileged boy who has money and lives a flashy lifestyle.
Example

From the way he speaks, you can tell he's such a cheese boy.

DRex 10 July 2020
The South African national soccer team. The team that only qualifies by default (when they host).
Example

Bafana Bafana plays shit!

Mr Trends 10 July 2020
The biggest township in South Africa which is located in the Gauteng province.
Example

I am from the dusty streets of Soweto.

Mr Trends 10 July 2020
A colloquial term to greet someone, synonymous with "hello",”hi”, β€œhey”.
Example

Eita my brother, dintshang?

Mr Trends 10 July 2020
To hit someone to a pulp.
Example

Don't try me, I will bliksem you.

Chief 10 July 2020
An Afrikaans word that has multiple meanings and which can be used in various contexts to describe many things from people to food to inanimate objects. It is used to convey the meaning of great, delicious, nice or fun. Make sure to roll the β€˜r’ when pronouncing the word.
Example

That new movie is lekker!
That bunny chow was lekker!
I’m lekker, bru!

Chief 10 July 2020

© 2020 Africtionary®