Discover Contemporary Shona Slang
A community-driven dictionary of Zimbabwean street lingo and ghetto speak
All Words(371 words)
Nope. Nah. Negative, Ghost Rider. A one-syllable slap to any yes-or-no question.
Reply word that flatly denies or rejects whatever was just asked or suggested, similar to “nah” in English. Common swap: “maya”.
"Gogo: Nhai muzukuru, atete vakakupawo nzungu kubva kumusha? John: Meke. Gogo: Huh?!"
"Gogo: Grandson, did your aunty give you my peanuts from rural home? John: No. Gogo: Huh?!"
Okay, good, all clear. The verbal nod that says, “No worries, proceed.”
Think of it as the ghetto ISO-9001 stamp for anything from a spliff to weekend plans. Pro-tip: If someone hesitates before saying “safe,” it probably isn’t. Ask again - or prepare for plot twists.
"Jahman shizha ramurikumona iri safe here?"
"Dread, is the spliff you are rolling good?"
(n.) A hustle blueprint, scheme, or last-minute fix. (v.) To sort something out MacGyver-style when resources = 0. If life gives you lemons and no sugar, plan means you still conjure Mazoe somehow.
A creative fix or scheme; to make things happen against the odds. Pro-tip: In Zim, if someone says “Ita ka plan,” translation = “Perform magic, fam.” Batteries not included.
"Sha, ita ka plan timbonakirwa weekend!"
"Mate, sort something out so we can have fun this weekend!"
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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.