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

Somizi

A revered gay celebrity (Somizi Mhlongo) in South Africa. The name has come to identify a gay person.

Example

Girl 1: Check out that fine guy in a blue shirt.

Girl 2: Don't even bother, he's a Somizi.

Khisa • 10 April 2023

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South Africa

clever black

A sarcastic phrase used to describe a black person who thinks he is smart but whose actions perpetuate the oppression black people. Sometimes black thieving leaders and their supporters use it to try to embarrass black opponents.

Example

Example 1

Guy 1: What happened to that radical student leader, Tshepo?

Guy 2: He became a kleva black after getting a nice job in government.

Example 2

Thieving leader: We can't take this country forward because clever blacks are blocking our efforts.

Khisa • 10 April 2023

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South Africa

Fede

Fede may be used to say "alright" or "okay" and it is mainly used that way in the southern townships of Johannesburg and many parts of Gauteng.

Example

Fede, I'll sort it out.

MPUMELELO • 11 April 2023

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South Africa

Igudumana

A person who is not scared of anything. Willing to risk it all, including career and own life for a man.

Example

I got myself igudumana, I’m sorted for life.

DRex • 13 April 2023

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South Africa

isiZulu

Mabena

Despite the recent false trends to redefine this prestigious Surname. The Mabena name comes from a long history, stemming from the early Zulu tribe. The people are know as gentle, smart and hardworking. Which comes from their long history where they fought hard to gain independence in a war torn era. They are generally based in the Southern part of Africa. However a significant portion can be found in Europe and North America. To try and define the name Mabena is false as it refers to a group of people as many surnames do. Instead a recognition of the prestige and long history of the name is what matters most. After all, the Mabena name is a noun and can or should not be used as an adjective or verb.

Example

The leader of the community was John Mabena.

Real_Truth • 26 April 2023

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South Africa

Brother Bernard

(noun)

The situation of slipping, tripping or falling down due to external pressures. These might include tertiary academics, relationships, and being broke.

Example

Brother Bernard, this will kill me a real death.

Shaba • 30 April 2023

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