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.

Isgubhu is a South African slang term that initially meant music drums or a bassline before it later referred to all dance music.
Example

South Africans love any song with isgubhu

Siya 04 June 2024
Nelson Mandela was a South African politician, anti-apartheid activist, and statesman who served as South Africa’s first black president from 1994 to 1999.
Example

I wonder if Nelson Mandela would be proud of what the ANC is doing to the people of South Africa πŸ€”

OD 31 May 2024
Durban is a beautiful coastal city in the eastern parts of KZN province, South Africa.
Example

I love the weather in Durban, man.

OD 31 May 2024

KZN

KZN or KwaZulu Natal is a costal province in South Africa, known for its beaches and mountains. It is dominated by the Zulu tribe.
Example

I need to visit KZN in December.

OD 31 May 2024

IFP

Inkatha Freedom Party also known as IFP is a right-wing political party in South Africa. It usually challenges ANC in KZN.
Example

IFP is losing votes to MK in KZN.

OD 31 May 2024

ANC

The African National Congress, known as the ANC is a South African political party that is currently in power.
Example

I would rather die than to vote for the ANC thieves.

OD 31 May 2024
Umaqondana is a South African slang term for a main chick or β€œthe one”.
Example

Ngimtholile umaqondana.

I have found the one.

DRex 28 May 2024
Jozi is a colloquial term for Johannesburg, the most populous city in South Africa.
Example

I’m moving to Jozi.

DRex 28 May 2024
Jukulyn is a very dangerous area of Soshanguve, beginning at the north end of the Mabopane Highway. Ambulances, courier services, e-hailing taxis and even pizza deliveries are a no-go in Jukulyn.
Example

She wanted me to go pick her up kgante she stays in Jukulyn. I am not risking my life.

Morena 24 May 2024
Mfanaka is a Sotho term that loosely translates to "my boy". It is used to mean my friend, my bro.
Example

Eita, dintshang mfanaka?

How's it going, my boy.

Morena 24 May 2024
Nnyo is a Sotho term that means cunt or pussy.
Example

Ke nyaka nnyo today.

Morena 22 May 2024
Skoli is a term mostly use in Cape Town that means a thief.
Example

You should be careful when walking here, there's a lot of skolis.

Yanga CPT 17 May 2024

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