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.

Friend, buddy, or mate. Used to address someone to you especially a man
Example

Wassup bhudi, where you at?
Thanks bhudi, you saved me.

Atikel • 13 September 2026
Ability to act calm or confident.
Example

This football team is poised to win the match.

Pronunciation
by JABUMGWENA
JABUMGWENA • 13 September 2026
also South Africa, Botswana
Not at all or nothing at all.
Example

Did you get anything from your parents?
No, fokol my sister

ReginaNdzo • 13 September 2026
hyena A hyena is a medium-to-large carnivorous mammal belonging to the family Hyaenidae.
Example

I saw a hyena.

Pronunciation
by Anna
Anna • 13 September 2026
Something that is enjoyable, pleasant, excellent or very good.
Example

We had a lekker time at the braai.

Pronunciation
by Ronald
Ronald • 11 September 2026
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 • 11 September 2026
also Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho
Mobile Money
Example

Please send me Mpesa

ReginaNdzo • 11 September 2026
Bread, especially loaf.
Example

Please buy me Senkoa and milk.

ReginaNdzo • 11 September 2026
Mzala is a Nguni term for Cousin.
Example

Mzala siyakwazi.
Cousin, we know you.

Chief • 09 September 2026
Dlala is a South African term that means to play.
Example

Sidlala i diski.
We are playing football.

Chief • 09 September 2026

Yoh

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

Yho, I can’t believe he left her.

Chief • 09 September 2026
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 • 09 September 2026

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