Browse African Slang

Much <a href="/word/love" class="internal-link" title="View definition of love">love</a>

A dismissive clicking of the tongue, written as 'mxm.' A sound often transcribed in texts expressing annoyance, disbelie...

Shona for “problems” or a tough situation (literally “things are bad”). Often said as “*Zvine maOne*” meaning “things ar...

An Afrikaans phrase meaning "make a plan." In SA slang it's widely used to mean finding a way to solve a money problem. ...

An old man or grandfather; <a href="/word/can" class="internal-link" title="View definition of Can">can</a> affectionate...

Men! / emphasis call.

Literally “hyenas,” slang for guys who lurk around flirting with many girls (prowling men).

My crew / my people.

Shona word for “electricity” (used often during power cuts).

Shona exclamation meaning “Oh my goodness!” or “Oh no!” (expressing shock or concern).

Guys or dudes (friends in a group). (Origin: Tsotsitaal, from Zulu “amadoda”)

A common phrase meaning to improvise a solution or find a way around a problem, reflecting the South African attitude of...

Dude / chap (Xhosa).

Uncle / older guy (friendly).

Fool / idiot.

A group of boys/men, the crew.

Now / currently.

Documents / papers.

Let something settle/think over.

To ruin or destroy (popular via music Patois lyrics).

A township term for a loan shark – someone who lends money informally at high interest. Mashonisas prey on those who can...

A slang exclamation similar to *makaipa*, used to praise or say *“wow, awesome.”*

Trouble. (Famous from “Hakuna matata” = no troubles). Now used playfully.

School-leaver party period.

Relax / calm down.

Flower (pet name for pretty girl).

While it means 'bad' in standard Swahili, in slang it can mean 'cool/awesome' (similar to 'sick' in English).

“Thank you” / “I love you” (common Twi phrases now used lightheartedly in slang contexts too).

Slang for an emphatic “No” (popularized in urban youth lingo).

Brother / friend.

My brother (Zulu).

Friend (Zulu dialect).

Insult meaning “scoundrel” or literally “stray dog.”

Slang for “meat” (in some circles, especially youth or students).

Maize porridge, a staple food (sometimes just “pap”). Also used metaphorically to mean something basic.

Crew that moves like rap group.

Me and you (together).

Slang for excellent or cool. If something is really good

Romantic relationships/dating scene.

Girlfriend / romantic partner.

Relationship drama/issues.

Johannesburg (Jozi) affectionate.

Homeboy/homegirl from same place.

Show-off / flashy guy.

Heavy cough / chest cough.

Game; slang for strategic play.

Nice, enjoyable, delicious (from Zulu; often about food or vibes).

Crowd / many people.

Dark tone; compliment for richness.

A vulgar Afrikaans word meaning to hit/beat someone, or used as an intensifier