Glossary of Setswana, Afrikaans and Township Slang Words

A re eng banna! – (Setswana) “Let’s go, men!”

Ao – (Setswana) pleasant surprise

Askies – (Afrikaans) “I’m sorry”

Aus’ – (Setswana) Sister

Braai – (Afrikaans) barbecue

Eish! – Urgh!

Eng – (Setswana) a very polite Yes

Haai – (Slang) No!

Hao! – (Setswana) similar to “Oh, no!” showing surprise

Heita – (slang) for Hi

Howzit – How’s it going?

Jo – a friendly nickname used between friends

Ke – (Setswana) It is

Lenyalo – (Setswana) wedding

Lobola – (isiZulu) Dowry

Mara – (Slang, derived from Afrikaans word maar) but/however.

Mfana – (isiZulu) young boy

Molweni – (formal, polite isiXhosa) hallo.

Monna – (Setswana/Sesotho) for Man

Na? – (Setswana) Is it?

Neh? – (Afrikaans) Right?

O right? – Are you alright?

O sa wara – (Slang) Don’t worry

Ou’ – (Afrikaans) old

Sies! – (Afrikaans) Gross!

Tjo! – (slang) shows surprise, usually for something unwelcome

Wie-Sien-Ons – (Afrikaans) A funeral after-party, to celebrate the life of the deceased

Zol – South African slang for marijuana