**Self Defence Units (SDU)**
*noun* (South African East Rand / township slang, 1990s violence era)
These days, Self Defence Units (SDUs) are history in South African townships — officially disbanded after 1994 with the new democracy and integrated security forces, though ex-members occasionally pop up in local civic groups or politics in places like Thokoza and Katlehong. Its dark history is complex and controversial: created by the ANC at the start of the transition to stop violence by the apartheid state, police, and surrogate forces like IFP hostels, they were meant to protect communities and often succeeded in shielding sections from attacks during the Reef wars (positives included providing real defence where the state failed). But the negatives involved severe gross human rights violations — many units lost control, turning to extortion, torture, civilian killings, and even internal attacks on their own side: in 1993 in Katlehong, one SDU massacred up to 12 ANC Youth League members in a bloody internal feud over power and divisions within the same organisation.
*noun* (South African East Rand / township slang, 1990s violence era)
These days, Self Defence Units (SDUs) are history in South African townships — officially disbanded after 1994 with the new democracy and integrated security forces, though ex-members occasionally pop up in local civic groups or politics in places like Thokoza and Katlehong. Its dark history is complex and controversial: created by the ANC at the start of the transition to stop violence by the apartheid state, police, and surrogate forces like IFP hostels, they were meant to protect communities and often succeeded in shielding sections from attacks during the Reef wars (positives included providing real defence where the state failed). But the negatives involved severe gross human rights violations — many units lost control, turning to extortion, torture, civilian killings, and even internal attacks on their own side: in 1993 in Katlehong, one SDU massacred up to 12 ANC Youth League members in a bloody internal feud over power and divisions within the same organisation.
"The Self Defence Units held the line against the hostels on our side of Khumalo Street, but they also did their own damage like when they took out those ANCYL guys in Katlehong."
by Plot Master March 17, 2026
Get the Self Defence Units mug.A tactic where someone intentionally provokes, annoys, or emotionally baits another person—often through smug debate, passive-aggressive remarks, or “just asking questions”—until that person snaps. The instigator then plays the victim, using the outburst to discredit or shame the person they pushed too far.
Basically: you poke the bear until it bites you, then act shocked and sue the bear.
Basically: you poke the bear until it bites you, then act shocked and sue the bear.
“He kept correcting her every sentence and questioning her tone. When she finally yelled, he said she was 'emotionally unstable.' Classic Reddit Defense.”
“She baited him into a rant and recorded just the angry part to make it look like he was unhinged. Straight-up Reddit Defense move.”
“She baited him into a rant and recorded just the angry part to make it look like he was unhinged. Straight-up Reddit Defense move.”
by grimguy66 June 5, 2025
Get the Reddit Defense mug.Related Words
drefen
• Drefense
• defenestration
• defenestrate
• defensive
• defense
• Dreden
• Defender
• defenestrated
• Defensitive
“He’s pushing with E-Golem and Battle Healer while I’m low on elixir — the only way I win this is if I pull off a crazy Ryley defense.”
by Sowpas July 3, 2025
Get the Ryley defense mug.by Robenzi0 July 10, 2025
Get the R/DefendingAiArt mug.In military terminology, this refers to a strategy used to flexibly absorb then repel the advance of attackers through carefully planned integrated fighting positions.
In modern slang terminology however, this is an over the top way to refer to a condom.
In modern slang terminology however, this is an over the top way to refer to a condom.
Definition 1: “We need to emplace mines and set up ambush positions in order to form an elastic defense at the valley entrance.”
Definition 2: “Babe I’m soooooo horny, I hope you brought your elastic defense!”
Definition 2: “Babe I’m soooooo horny, I hope you brought your elastic defense!”
by CrazyCronker47 July 12, 2025
Get the Elastic Defense mug.When someone actively interrupts, blocks, or derails another person’s attempt to flirt, rizz, or joke their way into someone’s heart. Usually done in group settings or livestreams, this is the playful art of stopping your friend from “cooking.” You’re not protecting anyone from danger—you’re protecting them from success.
It’s like being a romantic goalie: your entire job is to stop their shot from landing.
It’s like being a romantic goalie: your entire job is to stop their shot from landing.
“I was trying to talk to her at the party, but Chris kept playing defense like I owed him rent.”
“Lacy always plays defense when Marlon starts rizzing—it’s like she trains for it.”
“Bro stop playing defense and let me cook.”
“Lacy always plays defense when Marlon starts rizzing—it’s like she trains for it.”
“Bro stop playing defense and let me cook.”
by genzluv July 19, 2025
Get the Playing Defense mug.by o23gfh August 8, 2025
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