Skip to main content
Pronounced "tss-ot-see". A slang word common to most Southern African languages, a tsotsi is a person who is a rogue, a mischief-maker, a criminal, a bad element.

A synonym is "skelm", pronounced "skel-em", which has its roots in Afrikaans (and thus Dutch).
Parking in this part of town I'm always scared some bloody tsotsi's going to break into my car!
tsotsi by TheRealNimnod March 5, 2009
Words you can keep
In urban slang of South Africa, "tsotsi" loosely translated means "thug". It is usually given to gangsters, thieves and liers that is either still young or still a minor.

Also the name of the Oscar winning South African movie (aka. Thug) about a young gangster that steals a car with a baby inside.
That tsotsi stole my cell phone to buy some meth...
Tsotsi by Ebola Monster August 12, 2006
(n.)South African word describing a dodgy character. Someone who steals, lies and generally is not to be trusted. A township gangster. Can also be used as a light insult to friends. Pronounce it as you read it, say the 'ts' part quickly, as an interrupted 's' sound.
Help! That tsotsi just stole my cell phone!
Don't mix with those tsotsi's, they're hijackers.
Slang - You are such a tsotsi for stealing my drink.
tsotsi by Thomas McLachlan September 24, 2005

Tsotsi taal 

Translated from Afrikaans, this means "Thief/Thug language" in other words it is simply "slang" as it implies a colloquial manner of speaking.

Often used in townships and communities of colour, tsotsi taal is a unique way in which South Africans have incorporated many languages into their everyday slang. There are variants as per region/language groups but this way of speaking is often very swag and shows off the diverse influence South Africa has.
'Ola, hoe zit?' *pronounced: Who Zet*

(Some would rather say 'Ola, howzit). The meaning is: Hello, how's it going? Although South Africa doesn't have Spanish roots- this is an example of how South Africans can adopt literally any word into their slang.

"Ek se!" This is another way of saying hello or what's up. Sometimes it can be used as a reaction to something shocking/surprising. The direct Afrikaans translation is "I say"

Examples of tsotsi taal include:
-klipa/klipper: refers to money in hundreds (5 klipa= R500)
-dingus: refers to a thing/thingy

-acus/atshus: a friend/ homie
-bhudda: equivalent of dude

-lightie/lighty: refers to a young person

-oke(s): equivalent of dude
Tsotsi taal by Xhosa.Queen November 22, 2021
Tsitsi: Tsi-Tsi comes from Greek origin.

1: Tsitsi means whoopsie/oops it can be used to describe a small mistake in the moment.
“I dropped off the bags at the wrong address , Tsitsi” It can also be followed by a shrug or two hands up like you’ve made a simple mistake.

2: Tsitsi can also be used to calm someone or something down. For example “I am freaking out over this math test I’m gonna fail out of the class.” Friend responds “Tsitsi Tsitsi Tsitsi, it’s all gonna be ok just breath”. This can be accompanied by two hands calming the person down.
“ I dropped off the bags at the wrong adress, Tsitsi”

“I am freaking out over this math test I’m gonna fail out of the class” Friend responds “Tsitsi Tsitsi Tsitsi, it’s all gonna be ok just breath” accompanied by a calming hand gesture.
Tsitsi by Stefanos T September 13, 2023
A term of endearment similar to “cute” or “precious” like a small cat
Look at my scrunkly little tootsit he is so very lovely.
tootsit by tootsitmeowmeow June 8, 2021

tootsie nips 

Nipples so long that they resemble tootsie rolls
Tyrone: Yo guys I got a sweet tooth tonight!
Friends: For what man?!
Tyrone: Them tootsie nips on that girl!!
tootsie nips by Terrell Carmel March 31, 2013
More from Urban Dictionary

just fokin missing her

native american reservation origin... to miss an ex so badly that everyone can see it.. can be used for either sex eg. just fokin missing her/him
friend : *noticably sad*
me : look at you all sad & shit
friend : shut up!
me : just fokin missing her huh?
Word of the Day on September 15, 2026

endwarfins

The rush of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides triggered specifically by watching the Seven Dwarfs march home singing "Heigh-Ho" — that particular high of pickaxes, whistling while you work, and communal domestic bliss in a cottage built for men half your height.
I only meant to watch the Heigh-Ho scene for the endwarfins, and then it was two hours later and I'd watched the whole movie.

Endwarfins aren't just a Snow White thing — I get the same hit off the Lollipop Guild in Oz.
endwarfins by Howard Ogden September 13, 2026
Word of the Day on September 14, 2026
A slang term used to describe a bald person, typically someone who is completely bald or has a closely shaved head. The term is derived from the infamous, hairless kids’ cartoon character of the same name.
Example 1:
“Did you see that caillou over there? His head is reflecting the sun like a disco ball.”
Example 2:
“I think Dave is finally accepting his hair loss. He just went full caillou and shaved the whole thing off.”
caillou by WMH01 September 12, 2026
Word of the Day on September 13, 2026

Brought-upsy 

scruples; to have manners;

May also be spelt Brought-upsie

WestIndian/Caribbean in orient - Barbados, WHUT.
Example 1: Child, you ain't got no brought-upsy?

Translation: My Child, have you not any manners?



Example 2: What, you ain't got no brought-upsy?

Translation: I can't believe you're doing that. Were you not taught any manners as a child?
Brought-upsy by B-Town Gilly April 20, 2005
Word of the Day on September 12, 2026
Next