Yoh! These 30 SA slang words are in the Oxford English Dictionary
The Oxford English Dictionary has officially recognised 30 of South Africa's most expressive and unique words.
Remember that feeling when you found out “gatvol” made it into the Oxford English Dictionary (OED)? It was a moment of pure pride. Suddenly, that feeling of being completely fed up wasn't just a mood; it was a legitimate, globally recognised word. Here's a secret: “gatvol” was just the beginning.
It turns out our colourful and wonderfully expressive language has been making its way into the OED for a while now. Some of our words are brand new additions, while others have been quietly holding their place for years, according to Good Things Guy.The New SA Words in the OED
Let's start with the freshest entries from the March 2025 update. Besides “gatvol,” you can now officially call that decorated hard hat a “makarapa” or that traditional fabric “seshweshwe.” Need to express serious annoyance? You’re no longer just cross, you’re “the hell-in.” And if you’ve got a troublesome friend, feel free to call them a “skabenga.” Our most versatile exclamation, “yoh,” has also made the cut, proving that a single word can convey everything from shock to pure joy.
Even our word for prison, “tjoekie,” is now official, as is the rollie you’re smoking, a “zol.” Other newcomers include “moggy,” “sharp-sharp,” and “voetsek.”
These words are the pioneers, the ones that paved the way for the rest of us. They tell our story, from the joy of a “braai” to the deliciousness of a “bunny chow.” Our unique landscape is in there too, with “koppies” officially recognised.
The pure beauty of our language shines through with “deurmekaar,” and our shared humanity is captured in the word “ubuntu.” And of course, there’s “lekker,” the Swiss Army knife of South African words. It's an emotion, an expression, a compliment, and a way of life all rolled into one.
You’ll find words for greetings like “howzit,” and words for pain like “eina.” Our protest culture is honoured with “gumboot dance” and “toyi-toyi.” Even our beat-up old cars, a “skedonk,” are in the dictionary.
Our identity is in there, with “Mzansi,” and our food, with “rooibos” and “sarmie.” Our leaders are “amakhosi,” our neighbourhood a “kasi,” and our sandwiches “sarmies.” From the legal term “voetstoots” to the affirmative “yebo,” and the communal gathering place “kgotla” to the word for cool, “kif,” these words show the depth of our culture.
The next time you drop a casual “howzit,” call your car a “skedonk,” or tell someone you’re “gatvol,” know that it's not just slang anymore. It’s official. It’s proudly South African and it's Oxford-approved.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet, channel 836.
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your Openview decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa.
Follow us on social media:
Image courtesy of iStock
Have a similar story or something unique to share? Email us at [email protected], we would love to hear from you!