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.

Impimpi is a South African term for a snitch.
Example

Impimpi used to be burnt during the apartheid days.

MXhosa 16 May 2021
Is a South African slang term for prison or jail.
Example

Idanyane can cause you to do things you never thought you'd do.

MXhosa 16 May 2021
Isjumbane is a weapon used in prison to beat a person up. It is a snooker (pool) ball put inside a sock or a metal cup hooked in a belt.
Example

They broke his teeth when they were beating him up with a sjumbane.

MXhosa 16 May 2021

560

560 is a Xhosa slang term for main chick or the main partner.
Example

I can't date you cause you know I have a 560.

MXhosa 15 May 2021
Gintsa or ginsa is a South African term for a thug, mostly those who hijack cars.
Example

She is dating a gintsa hence she has so much money now.

DRex 15 May 2021
Ikuku is a Xhosa term for a vagina or pussy.
Example

"I make that kuku phrrr" - Big Xhosa

MXhosa 15 May 2021
Mgarimbe is the legend who gave us the hit song Sister Betina.
Example

Mgarimbe deserves a lifetime achievement award.

MXhosa 13 May 2021
Masandawana is a nickname for South African soccer team Mamelodi Sundowns.
Example

I'm a loyal supporter of masandawana.

MXhosa 13 May 2021
Kabo yellow is a nickname for South African soccer team Mamelodi Sundowns. Their home kit is yellow so I am guessing that's where the name comes from.
Example

Q: Which team do you support?

A: Kabo yellow

MXhosa 13 May 2021
Is a South African term for a tough guy or sgora.
Example

I see you go to the gym now Sgaqagaqa

Skhokho 13 May 2021
Idinga is a very formal Xhosa term for a date. Not a date as in 13 May, I mean a date as in you go on a date with someone.
Example

I'm going to the mall at 5, ndinedinga with my wife.

MXhosa 13 May 2021
The most successful soccer team in South Africa (and most rich). It is nicknamed masandawana or kabo yellow.
Example

Mamelodi Sundowns is winning the league again this season, after snatching it from Kaizer Chiefs last season on the last game.

MXhosa 13 May 2021

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