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.

Yoh

NEW
A popular South African expression used to show shock, surprise or excitement.
Example

Yho, I can’t believe he left her.

Chief 1 day ago

Boyzen

NEW
A South African slang term that means a guy, a friend or even a young boy.
Example

Zthini boyzen?
How’s it going my boy?

Chief 1 day ago

Sycophant

NEW
A person who does extra favors to get a favor
Example

The manager surrounded himself with sycophant who praised every decision, no matter how flawed

[email protected] 2 days ago
A popular South African colloquial phrase that means something is completely done, final, and not open for discussion. The expression combines the English word "finish" with the Afrikaans word klaar (which also means finished or done). Saying both together creates a redundant yet powerful double emphasis.
Example

You are not going to that party, finish and klaar!

Chief 2 days ago

Bompie

NEW
A bompie is a popular, nostalgic southern African frozen treat or ice pop made by freezing sweetened, flavored water or juice in a small plastic sleeve or cup.
Example

I need some bompie for this hot weather.

Sipho 3 days ago

Bum-boy

NEW
An errand boy, one who does menial chores for another without pay, a follower or β€˜willing slave’.
Example

Can you go to the shop for me?
You think I’m your bum-boy?

Raj 03 September 2026

Charou

NEW
A colloquial and sometimes controversial South African slang term historically used to refer to a person of Indian descent, often carrying complex cultural or derogatory connotations depending on the context.
Example

He grew up in Chatsworth and proudly identifies as a charou who loves hot mutton curry and playing Thunee.

Raj 03 September 2026
A large working-class suburb in south-west Durban, created in the 1960s under apartheid as an Indian group area, the largest such township until the establishment of Phoenix in north Durban.
Example

Let's go see my bro in Chatsworth

Raj 03 September 2026

Ekamela

NEW
Ekamela is place called kame under Siyabuswa in mpumalanga
Example

Is Skamelian Man from Ekamela

Anti Devil 31 August 2026
A Xhosa term for cops or police.
Example

I have already called abakwantsasana.

Chief 30 August 2026
An exclamation used when the effects of weed, lean, alcohol, or another intoxicating substance suddenly kick in strongly. It expresses that moment when you feel yourself going into β€œsecond gear” and the high/intoxication hits noticeably harder.
Example

*You feel yourself tripping* β€œGidli”

5iy4 25 August 2026
To tweak, act irrationally, or do/say something crazy, stupid, or out of pocket. It can refer to someone being under the influence of substances such as weed or lean, but can also be used when someone is completely sober and simply acting ridiculous.
Example

β€œLomjitha uyablipa”
β€œStop bliparing”

5iy4 25 August 2026

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