What does Tjotjo mean?

A widely understood term for a bribe. Tjotjo (pronounced CHAW-chaw) is used in many South African languages to mean an illicit payment to sway someone's favor. For example: "That official was caught taking tjotjo for tenders. (English, meaning "That official was caught taking bribes in exchange for awarding contracts.")"

Where does the slang word Tjotjo come from?

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

Tjotjo

🇿🇦 South Africa Slang

Added Aug 02, 2025 · 1 definition

TOP DEFINITION

Tjotjo definition 1

A widely understood term for a bribe. Tjotjo (pronounced CHAW-chaw) is used in many South African languages to mean an illicit payment to sway someone's favor.

"That official was caught taking tjotjo for tenders. (English, meaning "That official was caught taking bribes in exchange for awarding contracts.")"

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Aug 02, 2025

Word Details

Country: 🇿🇦 South Africa
Definitions: 1 community definition
Added: August 2025

↻ Similar Words

Tjo tjo 🇿🇦 South Africa

Expressing repeated surprise.

"Tjo tjo, rent increased again."

Tjovitjo 🇿🇦 South Africa

Cool / impressive / nice.

"Your lineup is tjovitjo."

🇿🇦 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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