Discover Contemporary Shona Slang
A community-driven dictionary of Zimbabwean street lingo and ghetto speak
All Words(365 words)
Roll up a blunt, (joint/spliff)
"Jahman itai zvekusunga danda, timbotora nguva tichidzinga mweya yakaipa"
"Jahman, let's roll a joint and take some time to chase away bad spirits"
To cause trouble or stir conflict, often suddenly and deliberately / Create problems / Start issues / Get angry
To switch into havoc mode: stir chaos, pick a fight, unleash fury, or otherwise make the room instantly uncomfortable. Peace-keeping tip ☮️: Spot the signs early when someone says “usade kundisaiza (don't try to size me)” twice in under a minute, that server is about to load badness. Log off or mute notifications accordingly.
"Ukamuwanzira anoku loadera badness"
"If you insult him, he will cause trouble"
It doesn't exist / No way / Not possible / No chance / Not right / Not true
"Hazviko izvozvo kuti unondida, handina nguva yevanhu vakadai"
"There is no way you like me, I don't have time for people like that"
For real; genuinely; seriously, no exaggeration. Used to confirm that something is truly the case; “for real, exactly like that.”
(zveh-koo-DAH-roh) - adverb / emphasis tag. Meaning “for real,” “actually,” “seriously though.” Used to certify that whatever you’re saying isn’t cap, hype, or just gossip. Tone: adds a stamp of authenticity like slapping a blue-tick on your statement. Siblings: zvechokwadi, for sure-sure, straight facts, just like that, really though.
"PaHarare varikutenga dzimba necash zvekudaro"
"In Harare they buy houses with cash for real"
In the open
"Kare kwedu kwaisapfimbwa vakadzi pajekerere, waitotuma munhu anosvitsa shoko"
"Back in the day women were not proposed to in the open, you would send someone to deliver the message"
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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.