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.

When you are finally in a serious relationship.
Example

Thungisani guys

Mellz Marz 07 September 2021
Dubane is a slang term for the City of Durban. Used predominantly by the Zulu speaking population of KwaZulu Natal.
Example

Hamb' obuza ngami in Dubane they know.

Danny 08 September 2021
Hierso is a South African slang term that means "Here", "Right here". It is taken from the Afrikaans language.
Example

"I'll be hierso goseng, wa nkolota" - Khuli Chana in No More Hunger

Danny 08 September 2021
A Xhosa word for dating
Example

Umjolo uzokulimaza mntase

Mkhululi Maliza 16 September 2021
A liberator, Someone who gives freedom
Example

Uthixo nguMkhululi wethu

Mkhululi Maliza 16 September 2021
Danko is the same as Afrikaans word dankie which symbolises acceptance and appreciation, it basically means thank you.
Example

The South African government said Danko to everyone who got vaccinated.

Colani 23 September 2021
Izinyanya is a Xhosa term for ancestors.
Example

Ndiyabulela kuni zinyanya.

MXhosa 05 October 2021
I'm not with it
Example

You want me to sacrifice my time for something that won't work out? Andizi shame

Manana 09 October 2021
Impandla is a Nguni term for bald hair (when men lose their hair).
Example

He's always wearing a cap because unempandla.

MXhosa 11 October 2021
Ikaka is a term that means shit
Example

Uthetha ikaka kwedini
You are talking shit young boy

MXhosa 16 October 2021
Sibeko is a term that has been used to refer to a drunkard. This is due to a character from the famous South African sitcom, Emzini wezinsizwa, who was always drunk.

Now Sibeko is synonymous for drunkard.
Example

Why did you give him money, don't you know he's a Sibeko?

MXhosa 17 October 2021
Mentally challenged,crazy
Example

Ngwanola o zodwa

AishArn 19 October 2021

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