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.

The Shangaan people are a Southern African Bantu ethnic group formed in the 19th century when Zulu warriors led by Soshangane conquered and assimilated indigenous Tsonga people. Primarily residing in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, they are renowned for a rich culture that blends Nguni traditions with Tsonga language (Xitsonga) and history.
Example

I am looking for my Shangaan family.

Chief 23 July 2026
Equivalent of the English word Buddy.
Example

Wola bade.

Pronunciation
by CapraNubiana
CapraNubiana 22 July 2026
10111, not to be confused with the police number, is the nickname that was given to Arthur Zwane (Mangethe) during his playing days.
Example

Arthur 10111 Zwane is doing well at AmaZulu.

Pronunciation
by CG
CG 22 July 2026
10111 is the number for Police in South Africa. It is the equivalent of 911.

The downside is that it probably won’t be answered so don’t bother calling it when in an emergency.
Example

I tried calling 10111 five times but no one is picking up.

CG 22 July 2026
Peto is a Xhosa feminine slang term for "friend".
Example

Hayi peto, where are you going?

Chief 21 July 2026
A Zulu word used to say β€œI’m going to give you a hiding/spanking”
Example

After disrespecting my mom
She said to me, β€œngizokubonya” , I knew I was in a serious spanking

Lungi 21 July 2026
Itshemba (pronounced Chamber) is what Xhosa people call a bucket used to pee at night, to avoid going to pee outside. This is used when there is no inside toilet.
Example

Baby iphi itshemba, I want to pee.

Thor 16 July 2026
Ibhabhalaza is a Xhosa term for hangover or babalaas.
Example

We drank way too much yesterday, ndiyafa yi bhabhalaza.

Sinazo 10 July 2026
To vomit.
Example

I think I might chunder after eating this.

Skhokho 05 July 2026
Isloti is a Xhosa slang term for a drinking place (tavern or bar).
Example

Umama uvule isloti pha endlini.

My mom opened a tavern at home.

Xhosa Nostra 10 June 2026
Inqibho is a Xhosa slang term for a gun.
Example

Ungandideleli sani, ndiphethe inqibho.

Don’t disrespect me boy, I’m carrying a gun.

Xhosa Nostra 07 June 2026
when a good dancer knows when to leave the stage.
Example

"Chomi o mpethile ka hit/run and ke cachitse"

Bra frans 04 June 2026

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