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.

Eritrea

A Northeast African country on the Red Sea with Italian colonial architecture and recent independence.


Asmara, Eritrea's capital, is known for its well-preserved Italian modernist buildings.

Seychelles

An Indian Ocean archipelago known for luxury tourism, beautiful beaches, and conservation efforts.


The Seychelles has the smallest population of any African sovereign country.


Magesi

Magesi is a South African football team that plays in the Betway Premiership. They recently won their first trophy, in their first season in top flight football, by beating Mamelodi Sundowns.


Magesi is here to dominate.

Nongogo

Nongogo is a vulgar Xhosa term that means a whore.


Ndipeyile namhlanje, I should get unongogo.

I got paid today, I should get a whore.


Kaaps

Kaaps or Afrikaaps is an Afrikaans dialect that is mainly spoken in the Cape Flats in Cape Town.


I thought I knew Afrikaans until I went to the Cape Flats and heard what they call Kaaps/Afrikaaps.

Ou

Guy


That ou is genuine


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

My friend

This is a term that refers to the Somali or Pakistani shop owners in South Africa. This term started when these shop owners first arrived in South Africa and they referred to everyone as "My friend". The name was then subsequently given to them.


1. Child: Hi, my friend. How much are your sweets?
My friend: It's 2 bob for one sweet, my friend.

2. No one:
Pakistani shop owner: My friend I am not your friend, my friend.


Makarapa

A plastic miner’s helmet cut, moulded and painted to make headgear worn by fans at football matches.


I used to wear makarapa when I went to watch the game.

Nomokhwe

Unomokhwe is a Xhosa term for a hoe or whore.


I hope la nomokhwe can rest in agony.




© 2020 Africtionary®