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From awe, haibo and even jol – South African language is filled with colourful, expressive colloquialisms, but do you really know what some of these words mean?
This Heritage Day we put the YOU team and their local lingo skills to the test and ask them to define some of these words.
And it went something like this…
@youmagazine_za Local is lekker! Test your SA lingo with the YOU team & check out the link in our bio for the full definitions. #heritageday2023 #officehumour #saslang ? Comical, fun, cute, video background music(1124511) - Lill Lilly
AIKONA
Derived from isiZulu, this is used to express strong refusal or no.
AWE
Pronounced aaaah-where – is often said in excitement as yes, hello or goodbye.
EISH
Derived from isiXhosa, is an expression of exasperation, disapproval or surprise.
HAIBO
Derived from isiZulu, is an expression of disbelief, surprise or shock.
INDABA
Derived from isiZulu, refers to gossip or an important meeting
READ MORE | 6 fragrant rooibos recipes to celebrate Heritage Day
JOL
This is a party, a club or could just mean having a fun time.
KIFF
Slang word referring to cool, good or nice.
LADUMA
Derived from isiZulu, is an exclamation used to celebrate a goal in football.
SHAP-SHAP
Usually used to express agreement, keenness or used as a salutation.
UBUNTU
Derived from isiXhosa and isiZulu, refers to showing humanity to others, often also defined as "I am because you are".
Sources: The Guardian, The Culture Trip , Beelinguapp,
