Word of the Day — 02 Nov 2026
The South African former president.
Example
Times were nice during Jacob Zuma’s time.
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Something that is enjoyable, pleasant, excellent or very good.
Example
We had a lekker time at the braai.
Pronunciation
by Ronald
Township meaning for slang whose direct translation means 'gangster language' 'taal' being the Afrikaans word for language. A huge contribution to this type of slang stem from South African prisons.
Example
He came back from Pollsmoor speaking Tsotsi taal.
A very bad way of spelling mntase. It is mostly used by Sotho/Tswana people to mock Xhosa people on social media.
Example
Yho motase, I couldn't believe what I saw.
Tsotsi language. Generally means a mistake or nonsense. Can be pronounced as "flop" or "flopo"
Example
Eish ke editse flopo
I made a mistake
A backroom is a room in a yard that's usually at the back of the main house. It is mostly used for rental purposes.
Example
I'm renting a backroom in Tembisa.
Mfowethu is a Nguni term for "my brother". It can be used to refer to any male, it doesn't have to be your biological brother. It's like saying "bro".
Example
Sure mfowethu, I will see you tomorrow.
Pronunciation
by MXhosa
Xhosa plural for a chief’s counsellors. The singular is ipakati. From pachatu an ancient Babylonia word for governor.
Example
My ancestors were amapakati of Chief Ngqika.
A tswape is a South African term for a massive wedgy (when your underwear is stuck between your butt cheeks).
Example
I had a tswepe during the people and I was so embarrassed to remove it.
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