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.

Ozzy Rsa is Olona Mnconcoshe who lives in witbank, currently learning at zacheus malaza msta
Example

Ozzy Rsa is just a humbled boy

Unknown 24 January 2025
Creatures which must be avoided by all men To live a peaceful life.
Example

“Bafazi Abanangcondo outy yami”

Andy 25 January 2025
Example

She has a beautiful punta

Lovejones 28 January 2025
Is a popular Xhosa slang which means What's going on. It's most popular in the Eastern Cape streets.
Example

Whuzet nawe nalamntana uMbali?

Lisakhanya Ndwayi 29 January 2025
A person who is always after everyones money, food etc
Example

Daii man ke letsetse ophela annyaka dilo

Karabo 04 February 2025
Igali is a term used in parts of the Eastern Cape to refer to a shack.
Example

Igali lam liyavuza.

DRex 01 March 2025
Popularised by rapper Cassper Nyovest, Hosh karamaima means an exceptionally beautiful and distinguished woman characterised by a harmonious blend of striking physical features and admirable qualities.
Example

Have you seen my wife? Hosh Karamaima!

Themba 27 March 2025
South African rapper and businessman, regarded as one of the best rappers in the African continent.
Example

Cassper Nyovest ke star!

Themba 27 March 2025
Okes is a South African Cheese boy or Model C slang term for gents or guys.
Example

Okes were having fun last night at the rugby game.

Themba 27 March 2025
In South Africa, Model C was the semi-private schools back in the day which were initially only allowing whites.
Example

He speaks that Model C English.

Themba 27 March 2025
Pronounced: Hoo-zet.

South African slang: How are you doing?

The word is borrowed from the Afrikaans language - Hoe is dit. Direct translate: How is it.
Example

Hi my friend, huzit?

CapraNubiana 01 April 2025
Sosh Plata refers to the customised number plate with a smaller/different font & font size, which makes it more appealing to the eye. It makes the car look cleaner & sexier. Also known as: illegal plata // Stance number plate // sosha plata.
Example

ah mfanaka ko botsa nka kreya dai Golf, fetsa kere Sosh 'plata ah ema nyana joh!"



(boy I am telling you, if I get that Golf, then put that illegal plata on it, its gonna break necks!)

Blessing 05 April 2025

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