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.

When a group of Maskandi Artists chants to see their King of Kings (Isilo) in the Maskandi genre. The current King of Kings is Dr Khangelani "DSD" “uGqoko” Mhlongo.
Example

Ziyahlaba izinsizwa “LUPHI UGQOKO” lwethu

Maskandi King • 05 June 2022
Isithembu is the practice of marrying multiple wives (Polygamy).
Example

Isithembu is becoming popular again in South Africa.

MXhosa • 30 May 2022
Igwijo or amagwijo are Xhosa songs that are usually sung in events such as sporting events or traditional events. They are sometimes made up on the spot.
Example

I'm only going to that game for amagwijo.

MXhosa • 29 May 2022
The feeling of wanting to explain something and not finding the right term to do that,
Example

Eish "Alostro" mfowethu (unexplainable)

Lucas N • 03 May 2022

Kho

When You blow your MT4/MT5 account, the only sound you get to hear is "kho"
Example

Life ke "kho"

Meaning life can also be viewed as a huge loss when things aren't going well

Lucas N • 03 May 2022
A backroom is a room in a yard that's usually at the back of the main house. It is mostly used for rental purposes.
Example

I'm renting a backroom in Tembisa.

Skhokho • 03 May 2022
Waya waya is a widely used term in South Africa that means "all the time".
Example

He's always telling lies waya waya.

Skhokho • 03 May 2022
An informal term mostly used by Xhosa people to refer to beer.
Example

Sbwl iWash namhlanje.
I am craving beer today.

MXhosa • 02 May 2022
It's a Zulu word that describes that a person is emotionally damaged.
Example

Umjolo nyised my friend

Thiizo Phumlanii Hlalu • 25 April 2022
Sphokazi's girlfriend who is extremely gorgeous and funny- dash of sluttism.
Example

Have a day as beautiful as Umntu Ka Sphokazi

Mike • 19 April 2022
It's a thing or something
Example

Iphi la wayi ?



In English - where is that thing?

Inkonde' magama • 09 February 2022
Sjura is a derogatory Xhosa slang term for a whore or hoe.
Example

Hayi Maan sisjura lewey

MXhosa • 31 January 2022

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