List of South African slang words

South Africa is a culturally and ethnically diverse country with twelve official languages and a population known for its multilingualism.

[1] Mixing languages in everyday conversations, social media interactions, and musical compositions is a common practice.

[citation needed] The list provided below outlines frequently used terms and phrases used in South Africa.

This compilation also includes borrowed slang from neighboring countries such as Botswana, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), Lesotho, and Namibia.

[citation needed] South Africa is a country formed from centuries of immigrants, settlers, and colonisers.

The term originates from the Western Cape region[citation needed] where it is most closely associated with the slang used by the Coloured community.

[2] Pointing your thumb through your fist at someone is a very rude gesture, conveying a meaning similar to "fuck you," depending on the context.

(e.g: “You are going to the doctor by fire by force”) • Dala what you must - A phrase used to signify that one must do what they think is right or what is most appropriate in a given situation (e.g: “That’s a bad situation, you just have to dala what you must”) • ID photo - the washing of your face and teeth only, instead of your whole body (e.g: “I’m late so I am going to do an ID photo.”) • Is not make sure - To say that something is not good, not convincing, an overreach or delusional at the worst.

[citation needed] The following lists slang borrowings from the Nguni Bantu languages (which include Zulu Sotho and Tswana and Xhosa).