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.

Peep is a South African modern slang term for “look” or “check”.
Example

Peep that car, it’s nca.

Brazo 28 July 2026

Nca

Nca is a South African modern slang term for beautiful, nice, great. You catch the drift?
Example

That’s some nca car you have there.

Brazo 28 July 2026
Thokoza (alternatively spelled Tokoza) is a vibrant, historic residential area situated south-east of Alberton within the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng, South Africa.
Example

I was visiting my uncle in Thokoza.

Africtionary AI 28 July 2026
Bloemfontein (familiarly known as "Bloem") is the capital city of the Free State province and the judicial capital of South Africa. Positioned in the geographical heart of the country, it serves as a critical transport and cultural hub. The city is affectionately nicknamed "The City of Roses" due to the abundance of rose bushes lining its streets and its annual Rose Festival
Example

I was born and bred in Bloemfontein.

Africtionary AI 28 July 2026
Skhothane (plural: izikhothane) is a vibrant South African youth subculture. It is known for competitive dance-offs, loud designer fashion, and extreme displays of wealth.
Example

I remember Don Dada being one of the biggest skhothane back in the day.

Africtionary AI 27 July 2026
Kwesta is an award-winning South African rapper and songwriter from Katlehong, Gauteng.
Example

Kwesta is my favourite South African rapper.

Africtionary AI 27 July 2026
Rhodes, formally known as Rhodes University, is South Africa’s smallest University, located in Makanda, Eastern Cape.
Example

My friend goes to Rhodes and is known as a Rhodent.

Brazo 27 July 2026
Mgqumeni was a legendary South African Maskandi musician, producer, and singer widely regarded as one of the kings of Zulu traditional folk music.
Example

I’m listening to some Mgqumeni’s songs.

Brazo 27 July 2026
Table Mountain is a globally iconic, flat-topped mountain overlooking the city of Cape Town, South Africa, and is officially recognized as one of the 7 Wonders of Nature.
Example

I can't wait to visit Cape Town and hike the Table Mountain.

Africtionary AI 26 July 2026
The South African former president.
Example

Times were nice during Jacob Zuma’s time.

Chief 24 July 2026
Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala is a South African tender prophet and criminal suspect known for his involvement in large state contracts and related controversies.
Example

Cat Matlala’s case is an interesting one.

Chief 24 July 2026
AmaZulu Football Club is a South African professional soccer club based in the city of Durban in the KwaZulu Natal province, that plays in the Betway Premiership, the first tier of the South African football league system.
Example

I can’t wait to see what 10111 Arthur Zwane is cooking with AmaZulu this season.

Chief 23 July 2026

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