Discover Contemporary Shona Slang

Casual slang for sleeping. Same meaning as kushta.

Plural is mabhisvo. Often linked to boarding school days, when Charhons biscuits were a favourite. Kurova (literally "to hit") is used here to mean eating a lot of something.

A general slang term for herbal mixtures or charms made by a n’anga (traditional healer). Similar to mbinjiri, mushonga, muti and juju. Different from chikwambo, which is a more dangerous goblin-type charm that demands something in return.

Derived from bhozwero, which means the same thing. Both likely come from the English word "boss". Usually refers to men. The example reflects the idea that wealthy people rarely get called out for their mistakes.

Casual slang for forgetting something you really shouldn’t have

Often used when a guy is about to ask a girl out and loses his nerve at the last minute. Can also describe someone who is timid or shy. Similar to kwata.

• Ndinogopa kutaura naye, ane cheeky. – I'm scared to approach her, she’s very cheeky.
• Ndinokwata kutaura naye, ane cheeky. – I'm scared to approach her, she’s very cheeky.

Often used when calling someone out for a mistake they need to own. Verb form: kuporonga. Someone who keeps messing up is called Porongi.

Most often refers to a Coca-Cola, but can mean any soft drink or cold beverage. Plural is makuvha. Related to the more modern coolayo, popularised by Zimbabwean rapper Holy Ten, though coolayo refers to an alcoholic drink.

Very similar to kusasa, which also means to say or talk (masasi being sayings or statements). Often used with rubbish or zvisina basa when someone is talking nonsense, e.g. Haikona kuprata nonsense (Don’t talk nonsense/ Keep quiet).

Has two main uses. It can mean the spot or scene where things are happening, often heard as paposhto (at the spot). It can also mean a deal, plan or inside knowledge, e.g. Ukaziva poshto iri wakumberi (If you know this deal, you’re way ahead of the game).