Browse African Slang

Talking, lingo, or gossip (refers to township slang itself). (Origin: Tsotsitaal)

Lie or exaggeration

See / notice / understand.

Jealous / envy.

Slang for **knock-knees** (legs that bend inward). (Origin: Tsotsitaal English)

Bad / finished / messed up.

Food

Money / notes.

Kasi (township) slang word for money. Chankura means cash, often used in Sotho or Tsotsi-taal. "Ama-chankura" (plural) m...

Chewing gum / also random facts (from gum wrappers).

Flirt / chat someone up.

A coffee with nothing to eat (from Afrikaans “Charlies desert” for coffee without rations).

Seek attention/popularity online.

Used as a filler or verb meaning 'look/see'. South Africans say 'Check here' where others might say 'Look here'

A phrase used to get someone's attention before you tell them something, similar to "listen here" or "look here." Often ...

"Push!" / "Go harder!" / "Light it up."

(Township slang) A term for a pretty girl or a girlfriend. Calling someone your cherry means she's your girl. This slang...

Outdated or trying too hard

Slang for *a big man, bro, or dude* (often a playful term among guys, literally “big daddy”).

A colloquial term for the barbecued chicken sold by street vendors, especially in townships. It's usually grilled on an ...

South African-Nigerian community slang mixing Igbo "Chineke" (God) – basically meaning "miracle money" or blessings. If ...

Slang meaning *a small loan or a small amount of money given*, literally *chipande* is “a small piece” (like of bread).

A super-pretty woman

Slang for a shaved head or very close haircut (like a buzz cut). It comes from a brand of insecticide once used for trea...

Slang for a R20 note. Possibly derived from "chocolate" due to the old R20's color, choc is used in casual talk about mo...

A twenty rand note. (Origin: Tsotsitaal)

"My close friend."

Friend / mate (esp. Cape).

Friends collective.

To chop life means to enjoy life with one's money – to spend on pleasures and live well. The full saying is "Chop life, ...

Haircut style / edges.

Tell a long dramatic story.

To kill or extinguish.

Crystal clear / obvious.

Neat / stylish / flawless.

Ironic use meaning a **street-smart guy** (not necessarily book-smart).

Clipper haircut / machine.

A one-hundred rand note. (Origin: Tsotsitaal)

Township slang for money, often large sums. Clips specifically can mean R100 notes; 1 clip = R100. For example, "5 clips...

Cash on Delivery (street small trade).

Energy / vibe of a situation.

A phrase commonly used in South Africa (influenced by Afrikaans structure) meaning to accompany someone. Often used with...

Let them shine

In South African slang, asking for a "cool drink" is euphemistic for asking for a small bribe or tip, especially by traf...

High-end fashion clothes.

A swimsuit (short for “swimming costume”; sometimes spelled *cozzie*).

Act recklessly

House / place.

Fun or jokes, not to be taken seriously (“catching cruise”).

Chilling relaxed / slow drive.