Browse African Slang

Outshining looks-wise

Mom / maternal figure (affectionate).

A charming term for a sunshower – when rain falls while the sun is shining. Widely used in SA English (from an old Afrik...

Money.

Hair (African languages).

Obviously / indeed.

Motivation

Plan / event happening.

Cut / delete / remove quickly.

Friend or pal (like “chommie”).

Shona slang for a motorbike or motorcycle (onomatopoeic for engine sound).

Visible belly over pants (teasing).

Person / human (respectful).

My person / dear one.

Traditional medicine (from Zulu umuthi, tree/medicine). Can refer to herbal remedies or sometimes witchcraft potion

A slang term for "my girl" or girlfriend. "Cherry" is township slang for a pretty girl or one's female love interest. It...

Slang for "my friend" or "my mate." "China" comes from Cockney rhyming slang (China plate = mate) and in South Africa it...

A viral Afrikaans-English saying that translates to "My f**k, Marilize." It became popular after a meme, and it's used t...

Means "my kid" or "my boy," referring to one's son or a young boy. "Laaitie" (pronounced like "lighty") is slang for a y...

An affectionate slang term meaning "my old man," referring to one's father. "Ou toppie" literally means old toppie (old ...

(SA English slang) A phrase to describe one's special someone – the partner who truly gets you. Saying 'you're my person...

Cousin/friend.

My close cousin homie.

Popular nickname for South Africa.

"Mzansi" is a colloquial name for South Africa, and "fo sho" is slang for "for sure." Together, this phrase is an upbeat...

Nguni term for a white person.