Browse African Slang

Literally “father/mother,” often used to respectfully refer to any older man or woman.

To take an Uber ride (common in cities).

A Bantu word meaning 'humanity' or the philosophy of 'I am because we are.'

Staple food; cornmeal

A Zulu phrase meaning "it goes down" – used to describe illicit deals or shady things done quietly (like money changing ...

Zulu for 'hustling' or 'foraging for opportunities'. Phanda is often used to mean making ends meet through any hustle. E...

(Xhosa/Zulu, 'to carry away') A traditional term referring to an old practice of bride abduction or elopement. In modern...

Fire (literal/figurative).

Community principle "I am because we are."

Reward / payoff.

God / great creator invoked.

Improvement

"How do you drink like that?"

(Zulu/Xhosa) The word for 'love.' Appears in many South African phrases and song titles. For instance, uthando lwami = '...

(Zulu/Xhosa) Meaning 'sorry.' Often used in love contexts when apologizing to a partner after a quarrel. A heartfelt 'Ux...

You're too forward / impatient.

Accusing someone of using charms.

You're making noise / complaining loud.

A Zulu term often used across languages meaning "you're being forward" or "cheeky." It calls someone out for oversteppin...

IsiZulu Slang that Literally means “Mkhwanazi is coming”; a warning phrase used to alert people—especially those breakin...