Word of the Day [04 Sep 2026]

Mageza

Short for Magezel'empompeni, is a derogatory name used to refer to a taxi driver. The word directly translates to "the one who baths from a tap". The name originates from that stereotype that taxi drivers have a long distance relationship with water.


Abo mageza from Jozi are so rude and funny at the same time.

Gqwirhy

Gqirhy or gqwirhi is an informal Xhosa term used to refer to jealous or black magic tendencies.


I bought this car last month and today someone stole it. Yhu ni gqwirhy kulendawo

Madiba

A Xhosa clan name that was made famous by former president Nelson Mandela.


Madiba passed away in December 2013.


IZawa

A man who has underwent initiation into manhood following the traditional teachings and cultural practices of amaHlubi.


IZawa liyahlonipha.

IZawa is a respectful person

Kwacha

The kwacha (ZMW) is the official currency of Zambia. The name “kwacha” comes from the Bemba and Nyanja word for "dawn," which symbolizes the "new dawn of freedom" that came with Zambia's independence in 1964.


I just won 5000 Kwacha on Betway.


Phara

Also known as phara-phara. A term that refers to a drug addict who often terrorizes the community through criminal activities. The term is mostly used in Xhosa and Zulu speaking communities. In Gauteng, this person would be called a Nyaope Boy.


There was nothing he could do, ela phara had a huge knife so he just gave away the phone.

Ashawo

Ashawo e it's a slang phrase and it means prostitute,escort.


That girl is an ashawo


Sgaxa

Isgaxa or isigaxa means Big news, like WOW, like Yhoo, like I don't believe it.


Everyday is a new sgaxa, I've run out of haibos.

Slaan

Hit


I will slaan that oak


Colloquial

(of language) used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary.


We use a lot of colloquial terms in our everyday lingo.

uTaka

Xhosa term for sleeping over at a boyfriend/girlfriend's place.


Umntu wakhe uthe makatake iweekend yonke.

Her partner asked her to sleep over for the whole weekend.




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