Word of the Day [05 Nov 2026]

Qobelo

Iqobelo is a term that means something is real or authentic.


Come buy from me, I only sell iqobelo.

Tjotjo

A term used to refer to a bribe, usually given to cops or traffic officers.


I gave him some tjotjo and he let me go.

Mkhuluwa

Mkhuluwa is a Xhosa term for older brother. It can also be used as a respectful way of addressing an older man.


Let’s go out, mkhuluwa.


Jumpas

Jumpas means later on.


I will see you jumpas.

Tlof tlof

Another word for sex. It is called tlof tlof because of the sounds during sex.


He started crying during tlof tlof.


Kano

Ancient Hausa city and northern commercial hub with centuries-old dye pits.


Kano's Great Mosque is built on a 15th-century foundation.

Tribalism

Tribalism is the attitude and practice of harbouring such a strong feeling of loyalty or bonds to one's tribe that one excludes or even demonises other tribes that do not belong to that group.


Tribalism is setting us back as black South Africans.


Aswan

Nubian cultural center with granite quarries and Philae Temple.


Aswan's High Dam created Lake Nasser, Africa's largest reservoir.

Rhodent

The term for a student at Rhodes University, South Africa.
Rhodes is notorious for its heavy-drinking scene. Thus, being a Rhodent is also synonymous with drinking heavily.


Rhodents were overdrinking everyone at that party last night.


Backroom

A backroom is a room in a yard that's usually at the back of the main house. It is mostly used for rental purposes.


I'm renting a backroom in Tembisa.

Nongendi

Nongendi is a Xhosa word/name for a nun. It directly translates to “one who cannot get married”.


Usisi wam nguNongendi.

My sister is a nun.




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