South African Slang Words Illustrated

South African Slang Words Illustrated – Vosho

Vosho is a type of South African dance often performed at local “ama-get-down” parties. The aim is for dancers to get as close to the ground as physically possible while continuing the dance routine. Vosho means “go low”.

South African Slang Words Illustrated – Gusheshe

This is the slang word for the infamous 1989 BMW 325 iS.  Gusheshe translated means “The really fast one.” This particular BMW is a highly desired car by some with cult status in South Africa, often seen in exhibitions of speed, spinning and drifting.

South African Slang Words Illustrated – Imphepho

An indigenous African plant, Impepho, is often used in spiritual rituals to communicate with the ancestors. It is sold at local markets in a dried bundled state. It is then lit during the ceremony and smoulders like a form of incense.

South African Slang Words Illustrated – Zamalek

This is the nickname associated with South Africa’s most famous beer, Carling Black Label, known for its higher than average percentage of alcohol. The name Zamalek actually comes from an Egyptian football team that played against a South Africa side, Kaiser Chiefs, in the 1990s. The Zamalek side thrashed their opponents and their strength was compared to that of Black Label beer.

South African Slang Words Illustrated – Shumpu

This is a traditional South African game played on empty streets or in vacant lots. The game is a mixture of stingers, capture the flag and netball. It is played with a small ball, often made out of odds and ends (a stone covered in paper, rubber bands and/or stockings) and a base, normally a stack of tin cans. Two teams partake alternatively, one team defending and the other attacking. The point is to try jump over the base as many times as possible without getting hit by the ball. If anyone in the attacking team is hit, they lose that game.

South African Slang Words Illustrated – Kwaal

This symbol is sometimes seen on the back of a taxi or Zola Budd. It essentially means a higher level of status associated with jealousy.

South African Slang Words Illustrated – Who is the Graphic Designer of these badges?

Young inspiring graphic designer Rob Mills designed all badges featured on this page. He holds a degree in Digital Arts and Media Studies and a Masters of Arts. He is a senior lecturer at the Vega School of Brand Leadership and currently Design and Art Director at SearchBAR. He designed the logo for Zululand charity, Re-Boot.