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

Matric

The last year of high school (grade 12).

Example

I can't wait to do my matric.

Mr Trends • 14 April 2021

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South Africa

Matric Dance

Also known as Matric Farewell - Is when grade 12 (last year of high school) learners have one final formal function, often followed by parties, underage drinking and bad decisions. Each school usually has its own dance and pupils usually come with a date and wear expensive suits and dresses.

Americans would call it prom

Example

I don't know who I am going to take to the Matric Dance.

Sinazo • 13 April 2021

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South Africa

isiZulu

Zulu

Zulu is the most widely spoken home language in South Africa (about 24% of the population), and it is understood by over 50% of South African population.

Example

Zulu guys will hurt you big time.

Sinazo • 13 April 2021

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South Africa

isiZulu

Mahala

A Zulu term that means for nothing. Free; obtained without payment or difficulty. It is however not only used by Zulu, it has been incorporated to modern South African lingo.

Example

Buy 1 drink and get the second one mahala.

Sinazo • 13 April 2021

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South Africa

Tsotsitaal / Scamto

Inqaba

Can be called "nqaba" is another word for Castle Lager, one of South Africa's favourite beer.

Example

I am definitely buying myself inqaba after work.

Mr Trends • 13 April 2021

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South Africa

Tsotsitaal / Scamto

Zamalek

Another name for Carling Black Label beer. Some call it Black Juice.

Example

I will never drink zamalek again. It's too strong.

DRex • 13 April 2021

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South Africa

Toyi-toyi

A quasi-military dance-step characterized by high-stepping movements, performed either on the spot or while moving slowly forwards, usually by participants in protest gatherings or marches, and accompanied by chanting, singing, and the shouting of slogans

Example

They were toyi-toying for the lack of service delivery in their community and apparently the money was misused by a local tenderpreneur

Sinazo • 13 April 2021

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South Africa

Afrikaans

Boerewors

Can be shortened as just "wors" literally means "farmer’s sausage", this is a savory sausage that is often used for braai and then eaten as a variation of a hot dog or with pap.

Example

We are braaing boerewors and steak.

Sinazo • 12 April 2021

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South Africa

isiZulu

Yebo

It means "yes", but it is used as an extremely expressive form of the affirmative. It's often used as a double positive, saying "Yebo yes!".

Example

Man 1: Are you gonna watch the game tomorrow?

Man 2: Yebo yes!

Sinazo • 12 April 2021

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South Africa

isiXhosa

Ungenaphi?

An African proverb (apparently), is taken from Xhosa and directly translate to "where do you enter?". It means how is that/this any of your concern?

Example

Guy: I don't like the fact that you smoke.

Girl: Ungenaphi?

Sinazo • 12 April 2021

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