**South Africa Enters the Oxford English Dictionary with Unique Slang**

Mon Jul 14 2025 06:34:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**South Africa Enters the Oxford English Dictionary with Unique Slang**

A vibrant update sees South African words added to the OED, showcasing the nation’s rich linguistic culture.


The latest update of the Oxford English Dictionary features a range of South African words, reflecting the nation's diverse languages and unique expressions.


In a remarkable celebration of South African culture, the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has integrated several local words into its latest update. This move recognizes the country's rich linguistic diversity, with contributions drawn from its 12 official languages. Inclusion of these terms showcases the vibrant everyday life and sentiments of South Africans, with phrases that uniquely capture local sentiments.

Among the newly added terms are "yoh," an exclamation expressing various emotions derived from Afrikaans and isiXhosa, and "gatvol," an Afrikaans term for someone who has reached their limit with frustration. The word "tjoekie," a colloquial term for jail, and "seshweshwe," referring to a traditional printed fabric, also made the cut.

Adding texture to this colorful linguistic tapestry, "makarapa" refers to a decorated helmet originally worn by construction workers but now a staple among sports fans supporting their teams. The slang "zol," which denotes marijuana, captures contemporary youth culture, while "moggy" describes someone disconnected from reality. Rounding out the selection, "sharp-sharp" serves as a casual greeting or farewell, demonstrating the warmth of South African friendliness.

As global language evolves, the OED continues to enrich its lexicon by embracing words from various cultures, emphasizing the untranslatable English lexicon emerging from different corners of the world, including terms from the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Ireland. South Africans have much to celebrate, with local words now recognized on an international platform, reinforcing the nation's dynamic linguistic landscape.

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