Browse African Slang

A warning meaning "I'll hit you" or "I'll beat you up." "Bliksem" is Afrikaans for strike or punch (and also an expletiv...

A firm warning meaning "I'll smack you upside the head." Snotklap (Afrikaans) literally "snot slap," is a slap so hard y...

Means "I'm hungover." "Babalas" (from Zulu "ibhabhalazi") is slang for a hangover. If someone says they're babalas, they...

A literal South Africanism meaning "I am currently waiting." In SA English, people say "I'm busy waiting" to indicate an...

I can't lie

Colloquial term for a super-quick wash of one's face and brushing of teeth – essentially only cleaning the parts visible...

I love you

In real life

If you know, you know

Shona for “It’s good/okay!” Used like “cool” or “no problem.”

Major turn-off

Collapse/faint (Romeo song popularized).

The township / hood.

Slang for a woman’s backside.

Keep fighting girl / motivational.

Money.

Dog / top dog (compliment).

Joy / happiness vibe.

Jealousy or a jealous person (someone who can’t stand to see you prosper). (Origin: Tsotsitaal, Zulu)

Privileged / plugged in.

This is a Zulu way of saying Puma

A conversational filler showing interest or mild surprise, equivalent to "Oh, really?" or "Is that so?" It's often used ...

Phrase to say something doesn't look right or isn't convincing.

Shoe / sneakers.

Beat / heavy rhythm.

Used as a suffix to indicate approximation or “kind of.”

Strong male / alpha presence.

Picture / selfie slang.

Time / timing.

Flashy spender / flamboyant youth.

Combo meal / plate.

(Zulu) A handsome, suave young man who is popular with the ladies – essentially a casanova or ladies' man. An isoka tend...

Curvy figure / thick body.

A tongue-in-cheek prophecy often made when someone is getting into a situation that looks doomed or risky. Essentially: ...

A famous South African advertising catchphrase (from a coffee creamer ad) that became a tongue-in-cheek saying. People u...

"Things" = flashy items/good life.

Literally “snakes”; refers to thieves or cable vandals (those who steal electricity cables). (Origin: Zulu slang)

Yesterday (used for memory vibe).

South African slang (isiZulu): Ibhabhalazi – Ukuzizwa ukhathazekile, udiniwe, noma unenhlungu ekhanda ngenxa yokuphuza u...