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.

Weed from Swaziland that is very potent.
Example

Come let's smoke, I've got some swazi here.

Mbali 09 April 2021
A South African dance where the person squats and kicks at the same time. It is one of the most popular dances in South Africa.
Example

Look at how she does the vosho. You can see that she is a regular at groove.

Mbali 09 April 2021
Xhosa term derived from Mntakabawo which directly translates to "My dad's child". This term doesn't necessarily refer to someone you are related to. It can be used to refer to a friend or any random person.
Example

I'm so tired mntkbw.

Sinazo 07 April 2021
A lunchbox; a portable, usually plastic, container for food, such as Tupperware.
Also occurs as skaftien, skhafthin
Example

Plase bring a skaftin, I want to put my leftovers.

Mr Trends 06 April 2021
Relaxing, socialising with friends over drinks and sometimes some braai meat at someone’s home, tavern, club or at a pub.
Example

I'm planning a chillas this coming weekend at my place.

Chief 06 April 2021
To beat someone to a pulp.
Can also be a swear word in Afrikaans
Example

I will moer you.
Come here, jou moer.

DRex 06 April 2021
This depends on the context. Jola can be someone's clan name if you are Xhosa.


It can also mean dating, see ukujola or mjolo.
Example

NdinguJola, Mphankomo...
Jola wena, you will see the consequenses.

Sinazo 06 April 2021
Is to date someone or being in a relationship.
Example

When did you start ukujola now?

Danny 06 April 2021
A popular Tswana/Sotho phrase on social media that means "I would scream". It's used as an expression when something shocking happens.
Example

Imagine if ISIS would come to South Africa. Yhuu nka screama gore.

Mbali 05 April 2021
Another term for ayoba, a catch phrase that was popular in the Blackberry and YoTv days.
Example

That's so ayoba.

Ayobaness.

Mbali 05 April 2021
A situation where you don't have money and you have no means of getting it.
Example

I'm so Meneer Magongwa these days.

Mbali 05 April 2021
A buff guy / those big guys at the gym.
Example

He has become a sgora now, the gym is helping him.

Mbali 19 March 2021

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