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.

Qhoqhoqho is a Xhosa term for the trachea (windpipe/throat).
Example

Ndizakuqhawula uqhoqhoqho.

I will slit your throat.

MXhosa 13 November 2021
To claim you can do something, or you can do it better.
Example

Wena awitsi selo wa're tempela fela.

Mr Trends 19 November 2021
To flex or to show off
Example

Nna nkao tempela, net akerato bolela thata, ke dealer ka action.

Mr Trends 19 November 2021
I don’t know
Example

Yhoo andiyazi chom

lisa 20 November 2021
In SePitori, Nkao Tempela means I can flex on you.

See: Tempela
Example

I’m beyond insane, nna Nkao Tempela (Yeah).

DRex 21 November 2021
Ukuxhoma is a general Kasi term that means flexing or showing off.
Example

Ever since he got his RAF money, uyaxhoma now.

DRex 21 November 2021
Feranja is an insult used towards girls to say they are ratchet or hoes .
Example

Uyi feranja uZenkosi

Serenity 27 November 2021
UMvelinqangi is a Nguni word which translates to "the Most High" or "Divine Consciousness"; that is considered the source of all that has been, that is and all that ever will be.
Example

Mvelinqangi, the creator, came out of the reed. He brought out men, women, animals, corn, and all the fruits of the earth

Skhokho 28 November 2021
A beautiful person
Example

Bona lezothi

AishArn 01 December 2021
Impama is a Nguni term for slap.
Example

Ndizakufaka impama

I will slap you

MXhosa 06 January 2022
Umahlalela is a Xhosa term for an unemployed person.
Example

uRamaphosa uyamthanda umahlalela, uvele amnike iR350.

Ramaphosa loves the unemployed, he just gives them R350.

MXhosa 09 January 2022
A very cool humble guy whom everyone thinks his hot, attractive and liked by many.
Example

My crush is Sandile

Costa 23 January 2022

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