What does Tsotsi mean?

Mbavha (Thief/criminal) For example: "Uyu itsotsi (This is a thief)"

Where does the slang word Tsotsi come from?

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

What are other meanings of Tsotsi?

Tsotsi can also mean: Tsotsi (Thug/criminal)

Tsotsi

🇿🇼 Zimbabwe Slang

Added Apr 06, 2026 · 2 definitions

TOP DEFINITION

Tsotsi — definition 1

Mbavha (Thief/criminal)

"Uyu itsotsi (This is a thief)"

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Apr 06, 2026

DEFINITION 2

Tsotsi — definition 2

Tsotsi (Thug/criminal)

"Itsotsi iri (This is a thug)"

by Khulekani Dladla Elder · Apr 06, 2026

↻ Similar Words

Tsotsi

In urban slang of South Africa, "tsotsi" loosely translated means "thug". It is usually given to gangsters, thieves and liers that is either still young or still a minor. Also the name of the Oscar w…

"That tsotsi stole my cell phone to buy some meth..."

Tsotsi 🇿🇦 South Africa

Thug / hustler / streetwise.

"Watch that tsotsi."

🇿🇼 About Zimbabwe Slang

Tsotsi is part of the everyday slang used in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe slang draws from local languages, history, and street culture to create an expressive voice that is uniquely its own. KASINARY has 964 Zimbabwe slang words collected from native speakers.

Browse all Zimbabwe slang (964 words)