Discover Contemporary Shona Slang
A community-driven dictionary of modern Zimbabwean expressions
All Words(361 words)
To get in really fast, slip through, jump in, or make a swift move right there and then. Often playful; sometimes carries a cheeky sexual innuendo, but it’s widely used for any quick entry or action.
(HOH-voh moo-POH-voh) - phrase, speed/entry slang. Popularised on the streets after Hulengende’s self-titled track; the phrase then spread into everyday banter. Close cousins - sporo (sprint), zveipapo (right then and there), 2 minutes (very quick).
"Ah hovo mupovo, wabhovhokera une ka fast kanonokera"
"You went it too fast you caved in"
Alcoholic drinks: beer, ciders, spirits, the whole cooler-box lineup.
(mah-koo-LAH-yo) - noun, drinks & vibe slang. Popularised by Holy 10 after a social post thanking a fan for contributing towards “macoolayo.” The word riffed into youth slang, sounds like “cool, yo!” and vibes with takacooler down (we’re chilling).
"Jabhuna raabho, chingondipinzira yemacoolayo"
"Venue is sorted, just send something for the drinks"
A label for something extraordinarily good, often food, but broadly "divine-level quality."
(sah-pah-TEE-nah) - noun/adjective, hype-praise slang. So good it's heaven-tier. Used for anything exceptionally delightfuloften food (“scrumptious”), but also a plan, outfit, playlist, or vibe. Shot to fame after a viral clip of a madzibaba live-commentating while devouring takeaway chicken at State House. Etymology’s fuzzy; many joke it riffs on “supper time, dinner time” mashed together. The hype ballooned when Chivhayo gifted the man a Toyota Fortuner + $10k fuel + $10k for more ‘sapatina'
"Sapatina sapatina, kudya kwe ngirozi"
"sapatina, sapatina, food for the angels."
A label for things that are especially good, often delicious food but also anything top-quality.
(mah-goo-NAHN-zee) - noun / adjective, praise slang. "The good stuff / the tasty ones / top-tier." Commonly used for good food, but can praise anything that slaps, in a nice way: a playlist, sneakers, a plan or even sex. Origin note (likely): many folks link it to madhonanzi (doughnuts) from childhood, sweet treats = “the good ones,” which then broadened into a general compliment. (Folk etymology, but it tracks.). Synonyms - nice-nice, levels, correct, manyama (very good)
"Ndakabikira madam vekwangu magunanzi, husangulangu, nakadululu haaa vakatapirirwa"
"I cooked my wife some delicious food, she was really pleased"
to know or smart/intelligent/strong academic credentials
Mface anoketa could also mean, "that guy is smart"
"Aisa keta kuti Wicknell itsotsi Mface uyo aiketa gwazh but akazokanganiswa nemabhebhi"
"They did not know that Wicknell was a crook/thief That guy had strong academic credentials but his track record was derailed by his interest in girls"
(1) Pure, unmixed cannabis; (2) figurative: raw sex, high-voltage passion.
(mah-GEH-tsee) - noun, double-meaning slang. Primary meaning: Pure weed, rolled without tobacco, straight ital, no “mogo” blend. Secondary (metaphor): raw sex - “live-wire” vibes, zero insulation. Why the name? From magetsi = electricity → the high hits like a power surge. Close terms include chamba, mashizha, danda (blunt); for the metaphor: yeke (raw).
"Unorova magetsi chete here? Nhasi handina mogo yemix."
"Do you hit only pure weed? I don't have any cigarette to blend the blunt."
A stern “stop that nonsense,” telling someone to quit their ill-advised behaviour
(moo-sah-tee-FEHN-deh-reh) - imperative phrase, polite-but-firm shutdown. Literal root = “Stop fainting.” “Quit that foolishness right now.” Used when someone’s logic is doing cartwheels and you need them back on earth, often paired with “miswa iwe!” for double emphasis. Tone = half-reprimand, half-eye-roll: you’re not furious yet, but the nonsense quota is full. Synonyms: stop messing around, cut the crap, don’t be silly, behave yourself.
"Mungandivhunze kuti ndicharoorwa rinhi? Haaa musatifendere!"
"You are asking me when am I getting married? Just cut the crap!"
Right then and there, on the spot, in that exact moment.
(zveh-ee-PAH-poh) — adverb / time-stamp slang. Straight-away, instant, same-time, zero-buffer. No delay, no committee meeting - act immediately.
"Paakangonzwa riddim richipinda akabva atotanga chant zveipapo, pasina kana warm-up."
"He heard the beat drop and started freestyling instantly, no warm-up."
Describes a clumsy, easily panicked, or over-zealous person who tends to fumble simple tasks or just being all over
(beh-TWEH-tweh) — adjective / personality tag Meaning Clumsy, scatter-brained, over-eager; the type who drops the phone while answering it and apologises to the phone. Signature moves: hitting Reply-All on a company-wide email to say “Thanks.”
"Uyuwo ane betwetwe, dzungu too much"
"This one is just all over the place, too much energy "
To nag or bother someone persistently.
(TSOH-mah) — verb, nag-attack slang. Meaning: to pester, bother, nag endlessly,pecking at someone until they either give in or fake a network blackout. Vibe: relentless WhatsApp pings, five missed calls, “Have you done it yet?” every ten minutes. Synonyms: bug, hassle, hound, “pressurise.”
"Makutonditsoma ka? Inga wani ndakati mari yerent ndinokupai svondo rinouya"
"You are now bothering me, I told you I will get your rent money next week"