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.

Add a South African word

South Africa

isiZulu

Thokoza

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

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South Africa

Bloemfontein

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

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South Africa

Tsotsitaal / Scamto

Skhothane

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

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South Africa

Kwesta

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

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South Africa

English

Rhodes

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

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South Africa

isiZulu

Mgqumeni

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

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South Africa

Table Mountain

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

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South Africa

Jacob Zuma

The South African former president.

Example

Times were nice during Jacob Zuma’s time.

Chief • 24 July 2026

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South Africa

Cat Matlala

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

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South Africa

isiZulu

AmaZulu

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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South Africa

Xitsonga

Shangaan

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

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