Where does the slang word Hold thumbs come from?

Hold thumbs is a slang term from South Africa. It is part of the rich slang vocabulary used in South Africa and across Africa.

Hold thumbs

Q: What are other meanings of Hold thumbs?

Hold thumbs can also mean: A South African way to say "keep your fingers crossed" for good luck. Instead of crossing fingers, locals say they'll hold their thumbs for you. It's an encouraging phrase used when wishing someone success.

🇿🇦 South Africa Slang

Added Aug 02, 2025 · 2 definitions

TOP DEFINITION

Hold thumbs definition 1

A South African version of "cross your fingers" for good luck. Instead of crossing fingers, South Africans say they hold their thumbs for someone, meaning they hope for the best outcome.

"I have my driver's test this afternoon, please hold thumbs that I pass on the first try!"

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Aug 02, 2025

DEFINITION 2

Hold thumbs definition 2

A South African way to say "keep your fingers crossed" for good luck. Instead of crossing fingers, locals say they'll hold their thumbs for you. It's an encouraging phrase used when wishing someone success.

""I have my visa interview tomorrow, guys." – "We'll hold thumbs for you!" her friends replied, promising to send good luck her way."

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Aug 02, 2025

Word Details

Country: 🇿🇦 South Africa
Definitions: 2 community definitions
Added: August 2025

↻ Similar Words

Hold hands 🇺🇬 Uganda

Hold hands (Hold hands)

"Hold hands nga lovers (Hold hands like lovers)"

Hold up 🇳🇬 Nigeria

Traffic jam (Road congestion)

"Hold up dey for third mainland (There's traffic on third mainland bridge)"

🇿🇦 About South Africa Slang

South African slang, from Cape Town to Johannesburg, mixes Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans, Sotho, and English into uniquely expressive township and street language.

KASINARY has 2661 South Africa slang words collected from native speakers.

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