Browse African Slang

Imediatamente (Immediately)

A joking phrase combining yes/no words, indicating resigned agreement or “okay, sure” in a begrudging way.

A sarcastic or resigned “okay, whatever.” Often said as a single word “*jawelnofine*.”

Slang for 'Khat' (miraa), the chewable stimulant leaves popular in Kenya. Also used to nickname someone who chews a lot.

Slang for “home” or “house” (term used in urban Harare, origin uncertain).

A **witch doctor** or traditional healer. (Origin: Tsotsitaal)

A casual “please/forget it” or added for emphasis at sentence end meaning “just” (to soften a statement).

Written as one word, it's the ultimate South African shrug-off phrase meaning 'Alright then' with a resigned attitude

Slang for sadza itself (popular in Harare youth lingo, as in the staple food that “fills you up”).

Suddenly / unexpectedly.

An exclamation derived from 'Here' (Lord), expressing surprise or frustration

An Afrikaans exclamation expressing surprise, astonishment, or frustration, similar to "Oh my gosh" or "Jeez." It's ofte...

Dance / groove.

A problem or conflict. (Origin: Tsotsitaal)

A person without a car, who has to walk everywhere (like the whisky name). (Origin: Tsotsitaal)

Party or to party/have fun. Any fun event can be called a jol.

Party / have fun; also "dating".

Hardcore partygoer.

FOMO's opposite—joy of missing out.

Look / check (isiXhosa).

Exclamation of shock/praise.

Provocative insult start (avoid finishing).

South African English for sometime soon, but not immediately.

Later or in a bit; 'just now' means later, 'now now' means sooner than 'just now'

A uniquely South African use of "just" and Afrikaans "sommer" (for no particular reason). Just sommer means doing someth...