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.

Used as a racist remark towards black people who behave like Caucasians (White people). Derived from the coconut fruit - "brown on the outside, white on the inside".
Example

What were you expecting from this one? He is a coconut anyways.

Chief 11 July 2020
To hit someone to a pulp.
Example

Don't try me, I will bliksem you.

Chief 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 mask wearing guy (Kwaito star), whom people say is DJ Sbu.
Example

They say Mzekezeke can be anyone.

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
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

Lekker

NEW
Something that is enjoyable, pleasant, excellent or very good.
Example

We had a lekker time at the braai.

Pronunciation
by Ronald
Ronald 8 hours ago

Ubuntu

NEW
The belief in our shared humanity, kindness, compassion and the idea that we become better through caring for and supporting one another.
Example

Her willingness to help a stranger showed true ubuntu

Pronunciation
by Faith
Faith 8 hours ago
also Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho

Mpesa

NEW
Mobile Money
Example

Please send me Mpesa

ReginaNdzo 17 hours ago

Senkoa

NEW
Bread, especially loaf.
Example

Please buy me Senkoa and milk.

ReginaNdzo 17 hours ago

Mzala

NEW
Mzala is a Nguni term for Cousin.
Example

Mzala siyakwazi.
Cousin, we know you.

Chief 1 day ago

Dlala

NEW
Dlala is a South African term that means to play.
Example

Sidlala i diski.
We are playing football.

Chief 1 day ago

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