Discover Contemporary Shona Slang
A community-driven dictionary of modern Zimbabwean expressions
All Words(355 words)
Mother
"Wakaitirei momz yako paMother's Day?"
"What did you do for your mother on Mother's Day?"
A rapid sprint; to run at top speed.
(SPOH-roh) - noun / verb, high-speed slang. Meaning: a full-tilt sprint; to dash off at max velocity. Vibe: emergency exit energy - legs pick the gear before the brain finishes the sentence. Synonyms: bolt, take off, hit turbo, dust-cloud, mboza, shoes, tobo
"Ndakarova sporo pandakatona boys dzehuruworks ndichibva pabhawa."
"I sprinted when I saw robbers as I was coming from the bar."
Gangster
"Hautambe negunvost iro, rinokuputitsa."
"Don't mess with that gangster, he will mash you up."
Gang / Group / Crew
"Ini nemafia rangu kana tafunga kuita plan, hapana anotimisa."
"When my crew and I plan something, no one can stop us."
A thug, delinquent, or self-proclaimed gangster. Think of the dude who rocks a knock-off Balenciaga tracksuit, knows every shortcut out of the CBD, and calls shoplifting “zhet.”
A streetwise thug or wanna-be gangster; someone proud of their delinquent rep. PS: If someone brags “Isu ndisu magevha,” keep one eye on your wallet and the other on the exit, just in case their CV is legit.
"Ndakakura ndiri gevha"
"I grew up a thug"
Word of the Day
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Safe
Okay, good, all clear. The verbal nod that says, “No worries, proceed.”
Mogo
A cigarette, usually a single stick rather than a full pack.
plan
(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.
Meke
Nope. Nah. Negative, Ghost Rider. A one-syllable slap to any yes-or-no question.
Kurisei?
Informal “How are things on your side?”