Browse African Slang

Hit me up

Shock / disbelief (Setswana/Sotho).

A trending slang exclamation meaning 'It's on!' or an expression of excitement, popularized in Pretoria's street culture

Astonishment: "What?!"

A phrase expressing surprise, disapproval, or disbelief. "Haibo" (from Zulu/Xhosa) is an exclamation akin to "no way!" o...

An exclamation (from Maasai/Samburu perhaps) meaning 'Oh my!' or expressing surprise/shock. Very common in Kenyan conver...

Call / shout at.

Go / move / leave.

Go well / safe journey.

Handle / manage it.

Very good / intense.

No way / disbelief (Shona adopted).

Extreme / intense.

Greeting among youth.

A township greeting that basically means "Hi there!" or "Hello, friend!" It's a cheerful way to acknowledge someone. "He...

Derived from Zulu, meaning "Hey, you!" – often used to get someone's attention or scold playfully. Wena means "you" (sin...

Strong protest / emphasis.

Dismissive "go away".

Obviously, very much

Insult / swear at.

Attack / tackle strongly.

Shake/dance vigorously.

Person always digging info.

“Hello” or an upbeat greeting (“Hola!”).

A South African version of "cross your fingers" for good luck. Instead of crossing fingers, South Africans say they hold...

A street-style greeting meaning "Hello, friend" often used in urban township slang. "Holla" means to call out or greet, ...

A jovial greeting or call, like “Hey hey!” (popularized by DJ Sbu). (Origin: Tsotsitaal/Afrikaans)

Provide / connect.

A casual greeting meaning “hello” or “hey” (slang used in townships).

A colloquial greeting similar to "hello" or "yo," particularly used in some urban/township circles (notably Cape Flats s...

A recent slang phrase from a song by rapper Cassper Nyovest, now trending on social media. It refers to an exceptionally...

An Afrikaans phrase meaning "Hold my drink." It's the local version of "Hold my beer," joking that you're about to do so...

A friendly greeting short for 'How is it?'. Means 'Hello' or 'How are you doing?'.

Person boosting energy.