Slang from Africa

Isnt it?; right? (used to confirm or seek agreement).

A rich kid; someone from a privileged background.

Fried bean cakes/fritters, typically a breakfast or snack item.

Neighborhood; locale (general term).

A local street youth, often associated with hanging out and playing street sports.

A street thug; a mischievous or troublesome young man.

Playing football (soccer) very well or succeeding at any sport.

A single room rented by a bachelor or single person.

Brother; mate; friend (from Afrikaans "broer").

Roasted plantain, a common street food.

Brother; mate; friend (informal male address).

Brother; mate; friend (shorter, more informal than "bra").

An informal, local restaurant or cafeteria serving traditional Nigerian dishes.

To build up or have a lot of muscle (similar to "swole").

Friend; mate (from the greeting "my china plate" - rhyming slang for "mate").

Friend; pal.

To eat; also, food itself (e.g., "come chop" - come eat, or "wetin be your chop?" - whats your food?).

The land or yard surrounding a house or apartment block.

A commercial bus or minibus used for public transportation.

We will be defeated badly (literally "they will whip us" - used before a likely loss).

Big deal; something important (Afrikaans slang, often sarcastic).

Cool; excellent (borrowed from international slang, but popular).

A request for a taxi/okada to take you directly to your destination (not a shared ride).

I am totally exhausted or worn out (used for physical or mental fatigue).

An exclamation of surprise, frustration, or resignation.

A type of communal housing where rooms face each other across a corridor, with shared facilities.

To try and be familiar with someone, especially a celebrity, often for personal gain; to cling.

Feeling slightly unwell, sick, or confused.

An expert; a knowledgeable person (from isiZulu/isiXhosa).

Fed up; had enough (literally "ass full," vulgar, from Afrikaans).

Marijuana.

A serious problem or issue; chaos.

A simpleton; a foolish person (from Afrikaans "gom").

A traffic jam (similar to UK "go-slow" but much more common).

Friend; mate (informal address for a male).

Having a severe headache or feeling overwhelmed by stress.

A severe traffic jam or halt.

How is it? How are you? (common informal greeting).

I am fine; I am healthy and okay.

An idol; someone revered or admired.

I support you completely; high assurance of loyalty and commitment.

Instant noodles (used generically for any brand of instant noodles, very popular quick meal).

Food and drinks (humorous/informal term often used in party/event contexts, referring to the "food and refreshments" item on an agenda).

A powerful or influential person; a big shot.

An extra portion; a bonus (often given by vendors).

A party; a good time; to have fun.

Shit; rubbish; very bad (vulgar, from Afrikaans).

Cool; awesome (often youth slang).

To go mad; to lose ones mind.

Money; cash.

Nice; good; enjoyable; delicious (from Afrikaans).

A roadside food stall or informal eatery, typically run by women, known for local dishes.

A dilapidated, large, commercial bus (often overloaded).

Surely; obviously (particle used for emphasis or assumption, from Afrikaans).

A partner who is central and essential to one's life.

A precious partner; highly valued and cherished.

My close, reliable, and deeply trusted partner/confidante.

An expression of surprise, disbelief, or exasperation.

Fool; idiot.

The boss; the person in charge (can refer to a coach or team captain).

Motorcycle taxi (very common form of transport).

Guy; bloke (informal male address).

Child (often used as an exclamation like "Oh my!" or "Wow!").

Traffic light.

To know; to understand.

A South African person (informal).

Used to express sympathy, pity, or endearment (not negative like in English).

A small, crudely built shack or dwelling (often in informal settlements).

Alcohol; a drink.

Trouble; suffering; extreme hardship (often used as an exclamation).

Nation; people (from isiZulu/isiXhosa, sometimes used for a collective).

A scoundrel; a rogue; sneaky (from Afrikaans).

Spicy grilled meat, a popular street food snack.

A category of starchy, dough-like foods (like fufu, eba, pounded yam) eaten with various soups/stews.

Elegant; refined; well-dressed.

A loud plastic horn, popularized at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Trouble; problem.

To walk; to roam.

What is stressing or bothering you?

What? (informal).

Trouble; a serious problem or mess (similar to wahala).

Yes (from isiZulu/isiXhosa, commonly used across SA).

An expression of disdain, mockery, or dismissal (often a sound).