Have you found yourself watching a movie from South Africa or having a chat with a friend from SA and feeling a bit confused by the slang? Don't worry, you're not alone. South Africa is not only known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture, but also for its colorful language. Ever heard someone mention "Babbelas" the morning after a wild night? That's their way of saying hangover. Or perhaps you've come across "Lekker" when someone is really enjoying something? It means something is great. Whether you're a local looking to brush up on your slang or a traveler gearing up for your next adventure in Mzansi, I've got you covered. I've compiled a list of the top 100 South African slang terms to help you blend in like a true local in no time. Let's dive in and discover the exciting world of South African slang!
Ag man! - Expression of frustration or resignation; "Oh man!" Origin: Afrikaans.
Babbelas - Hangover. Origin: From the Zulu word "ibhabhalazi".
Biltong - Dried, cured meat. Origin: Dutch, from "bil" (buttock) and "tong" (strip).
Which South African slang words are considered outdated or have fallen out of common usage?
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Boet - Brother, buddy. Origin: Afrikaans.
Braai - Barbecue. Origin: Afrikaans.
Chommie - Friend. Origin: Likely from English "chum".
One of the oldest South African slang words is likely "donga," which comes from the Zulu language. The term dates back to at least the 19th century and refers to a dry riverbed or erosion gully. It has been used for many years in both South African English and Afrikaans, making it a longstanding part of South African slang. |
Dop - Drink (alcoholic), also means to fail. Origin: Afrikaans for a cap or top.
Eina - Ouch. Origin: Afrikaans.
Gogga - Bug or insect. Origin: From Khoekhoe.
One of the most challenging South African slang words for foreigners to pronounce might be "Gqeberha," which is the new name for the city formerly known as Port Elizabeth. This name comes from the Xhosa language, one of South Africa's 11 official languages, and features a click sound that is typical in Xhosa but very difficult for those not familiar with click consonants. |
Hectic - Intense. Origin: English, but widely used in colloquial South African English.
Jol - Party or have fun. Origin: Likely from French "joual", meaning festive.
Kiff - Cool, awesome. Origin: Uncertain, possibly from Arabic.
Lekker - Nice, good, great. It is considered the most frequently used slang word widely used because of its positive connotation and ease of use in various contexts. Origin: Afrikaans.
Now-now - Soon, in a bit. Origin: Reduplication of "now" for emphasis.
Robot - Traffic light. Origin: Early automatic traffic systems resembled mechanical robots.
Sarmie - Sandwich. Origin: English "sandwich", informal abbreviation.
Shame - Expression of sympathy. Origin: English, used uniquely in South Africa.
Skebenga - Criminal, gangster. Origin: Zulu.
Skedonk - Old, battered car. Origin: Afrikaans, onomatopoeic of an old engine.
Skollie - Scoundrel or criminal. Origin: Greek "skolios", meaning crooked.
Slap chips - French fries. Origin: Afrikaans "slap" meaning limp.
Sundowner - Alcoholic drink consumed at sunset. Origin: British colonial.
Takkies - Sneakers or running shoes. Origin: Afrikaans "tekkies" from American English "tennis shoes".
Veld - Open grassland. Origin: Afrikaans.
Voetsek - Go away, scram. Origin: Afrikaans.
Bergie - Homeless person. Origin: From the mountains around Cape Town.
Bunny chow - Half a loaf of bread filled with curry. Origin: Indian community in Durban.
Cozzie - Swimming costume. Origin: Australian English "cossie", adopted in SA.
Donga - Ditch or erosion gully. Origin: Zulu.
Fundie - Teacher or trainer, particularly religious. Origin: Abbreviation of "fundamentalist".
Gatsby - Large sandwich. Origin: Named after "The Great Gatsby", suggesting richness.
Ja - Yes. Origin: Afrikaans.
Ja well no fine - Expression of resigned agreement. Origin: Combination of affirmatives and negatives for humor.
Kak - Crap, rubbish. Origin: Afrikaans.
Klap - Slap or hit. Origin: Afrikaans.
Koeksister - Sweet pastry. Origin: Afrikaans, from "koek" (cake).
Kwaito - A genre of South African music. Origin: From the Afrikaans "kwaai", meaning angry or hot.
Mielie - Corn or maize. Origin: Afrikaans from the Portuguese "milho".
Moer - To hit or a type of coffee. Origin: Afrikaans.
Muti - Medicine. Origin: Zulu "umuthi".
Oke - Guy, man. Origin: Possibly from English "oak" as a strong individual.
Padkos - Road food. Origin: Afrikaans.
Pap - Porridge made from maize meal. Origin: Afrikaans.
Plaas - Farm. Origin: Afrikaans.
Plakkie - Flip-flop or sandal. Origin: Afrikaans.
Poepol - Fool, idiot. Origin: Afrikaans.
Potjie - Small pot, used for cooking outdoors. Origin: Afrikaans.
Rooibos - Type of tea. Origin: Afrikaans, meaning red bush.
Sosatie - Kebab. Origin: Malay "sate" and Afrikaans "sous" (sauce).
Stoep - Porch or veranda. Origin: Afrikaans.
Tannie - Aunt, but used to address older women respectfully. Origin: Afrikaans.
Tokoloshe - Mythical sprite or spirit. Origin: Zulu.
Treffer - Hit song or successful thing. Origin: Afrikaans.
Tune grief - To complain or scold. Origin: English "tune", to adjust or align.
Ubuntu - Human kindness, a widespread philosophy. Origin: Nguni languages.
Vetkoek - Fried dough bread. Origin: Afrikaans, literally fat cake.
Vrot - Rotten or bad. Origin: Afrikaans.
Windgat - Show off. Origin: Afrikaans, literally wind hole.
Zef - Kitsch or uncool in a cool way. Origin: Afrikaans car culture.
Zol - Homemade cigarette. Origin: Unknown, possibly from township slang.
Gatvol - Fed up or had enough. Origin: Afrikaans, literally "hole full".
Gees - Spirit, enthusiasm. Origin: Afrikaans.
Hayibo - Expression of disbelief. Origin: Zulu, meaning "it cannot be".
Hos - Hello or hi. Origin: Afrikaans, a casual greeting.
Is it? - Really? Origin: English phrase used commonly in casual conversation.
Jislaaik - Expression of surprise. Origin: Afrikaans.
Just now - In a little while. Origin: English, used uniquely in South African context.
Kombi - Minibus or van. Origin: German "Kombinationskraftwagen", used in SA for Volkswagen vans.
Laduma! - It thunders! Origin: Zulu, exclaimed when a goal is scored in soccer.
Langarm - Dance style at parties. Origin: Afrikaans, literally "long arm".
Larnie - Fancy or upscale. Origin: Possibly from Malay "lurun", meaning royal.
Liefie - Sweetheart. Origin: Afrikaans.
Mampara - Fool, idiot. Origin: Sotho.
Mzansi - South Africa. Origin: Xhosa, meaning 'south'.
Naartjie - Tangerine or mandarin orange. Origin: Tamil "narthangai".
Nooit! - Never! Origin: Afrikaans.
Oom - Uncle, a term of respect for an older man. Origin: Afrikaans.
Pavement - Sidewalk. Origin: British English.
Poes - Vulgar term for fool or trouble. Origin: Afrikaans.
Roff - Tough or rough. Origin: Afrikaans slang.
Saffa - A South African. Origin: Shortened form of "South African far from Africa".
Schnaar - To steal something. Origin: Possibly from Yiddish.
Sharp sharp - All good, okay. Origin: Combination of English and influence from African languages.
Siff - Disgusting, dirty. Origin: Afrikaans influence.
Skinner - Gossip. Origin: Afrikaans.
Smaak - Like, have a liking for. Origin: Afrikaans.
Spaza - Informal convenience shop. Origin: Possibly from township slang.
Spookasem - Cotton candy. Origin: Afrikaans, literally "ghost breath".
Squif - Crooked, not straight. Origin: Unknown.
Stukkie - A piece, often referring to an attractive person. Origin: Afrikaans.
Swak - Weak, poor quality, not cool. Origin: Afrikaans.
Tjaila - Time to leave, usually from work. Origin: Afrikaans from the Dutch "tijd".
Tjommie - Friend. Origin: Afrikaans.
Voetstoots - As is, usually in the context of a sale. Origin: Afrikaans, literally "foot-push".
Vuvuzela - A loud horn used at soccer matches. Origin: Zulu, for making noise.
Wena - You, in a direct and personal way. Origin: Nguni languages.
Yebo - Yes. Origin: Zulu.
Yoh! - Expression of surprise or shock. Origin: Influence from multiple African languages.
Zak - Money. Origin: Cape Flats slang.
Zombie stopper - Extremely large and strong drink. Origin: Humorous English slang.
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