Discover Contemporary Shona Slang
A community-driven dictionary of Zimbabwean street lingo and ghetto speak
All Words(371 words)
Deep poverty; broke-ness so certified even EcoCash sends “good luck” messages. Used to describe a person, place, or vibe that oozes “we’re barely scraping by, kukwangwaya last”
A state of serious poverty; being so broke even opportunity wears rags. Life tip: If someone calls your vibe chinenguvo, don’t clap back, clap up: chase that hustle and upgrade your animal hide to full-grain leather.
"Handina data, chinenguvo chakandisona, ndirikutoshandisa wifi yepa Latter Day Saints Church kuona musvasva"
"Zero data, poverty’s real: I’m just torching Latter Day Saints Church Wi-Fi to watch Brazzers."
A money-making deal, side-hustle, or quick plug usually something done off the books
Pro-tip 💸: Every round looks sweet till ZIMRA, madhikaz (the cops), or your broke cousin pops up. Count the risk before you “wapinda muchiround.”
"Ndakazopinzwa muchiround chema iPhone, tiri kubaya paDubai vhiki rinouya."
"I got into a deal of dealing with iPhones, so will be heading off to Dubai next week"
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About Zimbabwean street lingo
Shona slang, also called street lingo, ghetto speak or ghetto talk, is the everyday language of Zimbabwe's townships. Ghetto youths in Harare, Chitungwiza and beyond keep inventing new words, mixing Shona with English, flipping words backwards and coining code words for things best not said out loud. Much of it spreads through Zimdancehall lyrics, kombi rides and WhatsApp groups long before it reaches any textbook.
shonaslang collects these words with their meanings, usage examples and pronunciations, written by the people who use them. Browse words A-Z, read the blog or add a word you know.