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.

In Sepitori, dese means good, beautiful... anything great. You may use it to say you are good at something or even use it to say you are beautiful.
The "Ke" in front stands for "I" or "I am"
Example

Ke dese ka diski unlike Bafana Bafana players.

Mr Trends 15 April 2021
Another name for Carling Black Label. South Africa's favourite beer. Some may call it Zamalek.
Example

Yho the babalaas you would swear I was drinking Black Juice.

DRex 13 April 2021

Pap

Limpopo people's favourite food, made from maize meal.
Example

We need more pap for the braai.

Sinazo 11 April 2021
South African slang term for R100 (1 Hundred Rands).

Some call it Klipa.
Example

I just need 2 drata then I'll be fine.

Sinazo 08 April 2021

PK

Pastor's Kid or Preacher's Kid.

There's a stereotype that they grow up in very strict households but once they get their "freedom", they become very rachet.
Example

The way she dances with that Savanna, you wouldn't believe that she is a PK.

Sinazo 06 April 2021
Show you flames or to literally make you shit yourself.
Example

Mjolo will nyisa you.

DRex 06 April 2021
A kasi word that is used to refer to money.
Example

I just need some zaka to buy the braai meat and all will be well

Mr Trends 06 April 2021
A vulgar or explicit way to say butt or ass.

Do not say this to anyone or you will be moered.
Example

You are mad, mdidi wakho.

DRex 06 April 2021
An expression of surprise or shock (basically means wow), mostly used by Xhosa speaking people. It can also be spelt as Hayibo.
Example

Haibo, is this really happening?

Mbali 06 April 2021
A guy who trended for what was apparently a staged video. He was asked for his number by a woman in a car and he kept saying "082". Twitter gave him the name Mr 082.
Example

Did you see the Mr 082 video?

Chief 05 April 2021
When the stupid Ass-kom also known as Eskom decides to switch off our electricity that we pay for.
Example

You better charge your phone, Load shedding is starting again soon

Mr Trends 22 March 2021
Also known as Eskom - Those assholes who are supposed to be providing South Africa with consistent electricity supply but instead they bring us consistent Load Shedding.
Example

It's dark again. Blame ass-kom.

Mbali 19 March 2021

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