Mzansi youth slang and expressions that have shaped local culture

South African slang is constantly evolving, offering a fascinating glimpse into the country's vibrant youth culture. More than just catchy phrases, these expressions reflect how young people shape humour, identity and everyday conversations in real time.

South African youth slang isn’t just about sounding cool (although, let’s be honest, that’s definitely part of it). It’s a reflection of who we are right now —a mix of languages, cultures, internet references and influences that collide in the most creative ways. From kasi corners to TikTok comment sections, our slang borrows from isiZulu, Sesotho, Afrikaans, English and everything in between, creating a linguistic remix that feels uniquely ours.

lifestyle

Youth Month Spotlight: The South African content creators keeping Gen Z informed

And unlike traditional vocabulary, slang moves fast. One viral TikTok sound, amapiano lyric, hilarious voice note or perfectly-timed tweet can suddenly introduce a new phrase into the national vocabulary. Young South Africans communicate through coded humour, dramatic reactions and phrases that somehow make perfect sense in context. So, if you’ve recently opened TikTok comments and felt slightly confused, consider this your guide to the slang South African youth are using right now.

Hao khonahale

“Hao khonahale” (or “Ao khonahale”)is a popular South African slang phrase rooted in Sipitori, a dialect associated with Pretoria, that translates to “it’s not possible” or “impossible.” The phrase stems from the Sepedi/Setswana saying “Hao khonahale” and exploded online in 2025 after amapiano artist DJ Maphorisa repeatedly used it during an Instagram Live while dismissing attempts to “cancel” him. Since then, it’s become the perfect reaction to anything unbelievable, excessive or outrageous. A shocking grocery bill? Hao khonahale.

@meth.ew dj maphorisa awukhonahali original clip meme #SOUTHAFRICA #FYP #funny #djmaphorisa #viraltiktok ♬ original sound - Matthew😈

Bwoah

“Bwoah” is a dramatic reaction word often used to express shock, excitement or disbelief. Many people describe it as the more modern, exaggerated cousin of “yoh.” It’s loud, expressive and intentionally theatrical. “Bwoah, everything is expensive these days” or “Bwoah, the pressure this year.” The more dramatic the delivery, the better.

@sthabucks BWOAHH🤣🤣#fyp #xhosa Hair is by : @tee ♬ original sound - Sthabucks

Gone kanje

“Gone kanje” gained popularity through amapiano artist Scotts Maphuma’s song Gone Kanje and loosely translates to “gone just like that.” It’s usually used when something disappears quickly — money, trends, relationships, opportunities or even feelings. Your salary after a weekend out? Gone kanje. Your motivation halfway through the year? Gone kanje. It perfectly captures how temporary everything feels in internet culture right now.

@scotts_mahazard ithi “ tshitshitshitshi vuum vum vumm” 😅🔥🔥💪🏾 #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #hazardmdukiswa #scottsmaphuma #fypシ゚ #fypviralシ ♬ original sound - Lyric.Vill

Skyf

“Skyf” (pronounced skayf ) refers to a cigarette or cannabis joint and can also be used as a verb meaning “to smoke.” The term originates from Afrikaans and is widely used in Kaaps slang. In social settings, “skyf culture” often revolves around passing around a cigarette or joint while hanging out. “Who has a skyf?” or “We’re outside skyfing.”

Groove

“Groove” is one of the most iconic South African slang terms and refers to the party scene—clubs, taverns, lounges, house parties or anywhere people gather to drink, dance and socialise. But groove isn’t just a location; it’s an experience. “We’re going groove tonight,” “That groove was dead, ” or “The vibe at groove was unmatched. ”In South Africa, groove culture is deeply tied to music, fashion and social life, especially during festive season.

Bathong

“Bathong” comes from Sesotho/Setswana and is used as an exclamation expressing shock, disbelief, frustration or exhaustion. “Bathong, what is happening?” or “Bathong, these prices.” It functions similarly to “haibo” or “eish,” especially in dramatic situations. But of course, South African youth slang doesn’t stop there. The dictionary grows daily, fuelled by internet culture, amapiano, social media humour and the uniquely South African ability to turn almost anything into a phrase.

Aweh

“Aweh” is deeply rooted in Cape Town slang and Cape Afrikaans/Afrikaaps culture, particularly within Coloured communities. Over time, it has become one of the country’s most versatile expressions. Depending on context, it can mean hello, cool, alright, I hear you, or even excitement. “Aweh, my guy,” “We still meeting later?”—“Aweh,” or “Aweh, another public holiday!” More than just slang, “aweh” has become part of South Africa’s social rhythm—casual, familiar and instantly recognisable.

@d1zzyjay_ Aweh👍…#southafrica #fypシ゚ #relatable #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #d1zzyjay INSPO @theballzyboy ♬ original sound - d1zzyjay_

Cima

Literally translating to “switch it off” in isiZulu, “cima” has evolved into one of the funniest reaction phrases in youth culture right now. It’s used when something is too much to process—whether embarrassing, outrageous, attractive or overwhelmingly impressive. “That outfit? Cima.” “You went back to your ex again? Cima.” Young South Africans, particularly online and within amapiano culture, transformed the word into a dramatic expression meaning: “Please stop,” “This is insane,” or “I can’t deal with this.” Tone matters here. Sometimes it’s admiration, other times it’s second-hand embarrassment.

Oksalayo

“Oksalayo” (or “Ok’salayo”) comes from isiZulu and loosely translates to “what remains” or “anyway.” In modern slang, it’s usually used at the end of arguments or discussions when someone refuses to fully back down — even after losing the debate. “I hear what you’re saying, but oksalayo…” It’s essentially a pride-saving phrase; a way of saying, “Regardless, my point still stands.”

And then? Manje? En nou?

These phrases have become some of the funniest conversational reactions in South African youth culture. “And then?”, “Manje?” (isiZulu/isiXhosa for “now?”) and “En nou?” (Afrikaans for “and now?”) are all used interchangeably to ask: “So what happened next?” or “What now?” But the humour lies in the delivery. Someone overexplaining? “And then?” Someone being dramatic? “Manje?” Someone sulking? “En nou?”

@king.grrrr Hope this helps💀😘 #risingvoices #smoothkamo ♬ original sound - king.grrrr

It’s not make sure

South African youth also have a talent for turning broken English into fully accepted slang. “It’s not make sure” is used when something feels suspicious, unconvincing, low quality or simply off. “That story is not make sure,” “These chips are not make sure,” or “His behaviour lately? Not make sure.” The phrase is closely related to another popular expression: “Khona into e-off”—meaning “something is off.” Both phrases are used when the vibes feel strange or something simply isn’t adding up.

"It’s not make sure” became widely recognised through the late Goodenough Sithole, the beloved Orlando Pirates superfan famous for his passionate football interviews and unforgettable one-liners like, “I like it for the Pirates.”

@modekai948 eish this guy😂😂, #kids #fun #justforyou #justforfun #english #englishneverlovedus #lockdowndiaries #staysafe #besafe #lol #radiointerview #onair ♬ original sound - Jab

The beauty of South African slang is that it can come from anywhere—football interviews, amapiano lyrics, TikTok comments, taxi conversations or one random viral moment online. One minute it’s just a phrase; the next, the whole country is saying it. That’s what makes South African youth slang so entertaining to watch evolve. It reflects exactly how young people communicate today: indirectly, dramatically, ironically and always with humour.