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

isiXhosa

Tilili

A term Xhosa people use to refer to those small cellphones with no internet. Those phones you just use for calls and sms. They call it lepopotane in SePitori.

Example

Yho mntase I saw his tilili hidden in the spare wheel of his car. Caba he didn't want me to see that he uses it for his hoes.

Mr Trends • 21 July 2020

4 0 0

South Africa

isiXhosa

Spaza

Not to be confused with Spaza shop... Is the name used to refer to Xhosa rap or Xhosa hip hop. It is not clear how the name went from being a kasi shop to a music genre.

Example

You know guys from cape Town like listening to Spaza music.

Chief • 22 July 2020

2 0 0

South Africa

Phara

Also known as phara-phara. A term that refers to a drug addict who often terrorizes the community through criminal activities. The term is mostly used in Xhosa and Zulu speaking communities. In Gauteng, this person would be called a Nyaope Boy.

Example

There was nothing he could do, ela phara had a huge knife so he just gave away the phone.

Chief • 22 July 2020

3 0 0

South Africa

Fighter

A general term used to refer to a member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

Example

We are led by a very good fighter.

Chief • 23 July 2020

1 0 0

South Africa

Ramabillion

This refers to President Cryil Ramaphosa. He was given this nickname after he announced R500 billion Covid-19 relief fund. He was throwing billions like he was throwing boxing punches.

Example

Don't worry, President Ramabillion has promised us a R350 covid grant.

DRex • 23 July 2020

0 0 0

South Africa

Mageza

Short for Magezel'empompeni, is a derogatory name used to refer to a taxi driver. The word directly translates to "the one who baths from a tap". The name originates from that stereotype that taxi drivers have a long distance relationship with water.

Example

Abo mageza from Jozi are so rude and funny at the same time.

Chief • 23 July 2020

2 0 0

South Africa

isiZulu

Shisa Nyama

Of Zulu origin, this directly translates to "burn meat". It is the Zulu equivalent to a braai. In most cases, it refers to a place that sells and "braais" meet.

Example

Let's go braai some meat at that Shisa Nyama.

Chief • 23 July 2020

0 0 0

South Africa

Tiger

Not to be confused with the animal... This refers to R10 (Ten Rands). One tiger would mean R10, Two tiger would mean R20, Five tiger - R50, etc. When you get to R100, it becomes a Klipa. R200 - Two klipa, etc.

Example

We only need 3 tiger to add to the money we have and get that case of beer.

Mr Trends • 24 July 2020

0 0 0