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.

Alkebulan

Ancient name of Africa, meaning 'mother of mankind'/'garden of eden'.


People need to talk more about Alkebulan.

Tyotyombe

A Xhosa term for mkhukhu, a house built from zink (metallic roof material).
Basically a shack.


Cape Town is full of amatyotyombe


Ingqithi

Ingqithi is a Xhosa custom of amputating the joint of the little finger, or of the ring finger on babies and sometimes adults.


My finger is like this because I have ingqithi.

Skopas

Term mostly used in the Northern parts of the country to refer to sweet flavoured and coloured popcorns.
Some parts of the country call them amaKip-kip


I bought my nephews some skopas from the Spaza shop.


Ninganya

This is a swear word you use when people make fun of your disability, accident, family and kids... and people ask you to apologise for asking a simple question.


I will not apologize for speaking the truth. Ningaya!!!

Tsek

Tsek is a shortened version of Voetsek, an insulting dismissal or exclamation of disgust.


Tsek wena, I don't want to talk to you.


Mgarimbe

Mgarimbe is the legend who gave us the hit song Sister Betina.


Mgarimbe deserves a lifetime achievement award.

Kido Lava

A dalarist.


In this economy you need someone that is Kido Lava, someone who has istapura, a dalarist.


Gqeberha

New name for Port Elizabeth.


Did you hear that Port Elizabeth is now called Gqeberha?

Sisekakeni

Sisekakeni is a general Xhosa phrase that means we are in trouble. It directly translates to "we are in shit" or "we are in deep shit"


Friend: The petrol prices went up again.
Me: Sisekakeni




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