Durban Slang 101 – A Fun Guide to Local Phrases and Lingo
Every city has its own unique way of speaking, and Durban is no exception. With a vibrant mix of cultures, languages, and influences, Durban slang is a colourful blend of English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, and Indian vernacular. Whether you’re a visitor looking to blend in or a local wanting to brush up on the latest lingo, this guide will help you navigate Durban’s unique way of speaking.
1. Howzit?
One of the most common greetings in Durban, “Howzit?” is a friendly way of asking “How are you?” or “What’s up?” The usual response? A simple “Shot, bru!” which means “I’m good, friend!”
2. Shot!
Used in various contexts, “Shot!” can mean “Thank you,” “Nice one,” or even just “Okay.” For example, if someone hands you a bunny chow, you can respond with a cheerful “Shot, my bru!”
3. Bru & Oaks
These are Durban’s go-to words for addressing a friend or a group of people. “Bru” is short for “brother,” and “oaks” is the equivalent of “guys.” Example: “Yoh, oaks, let’s hit the beach!”
4. Eish!
This isiZulu word has made its way into everyday Durban slang and is used to express frustration, surprise, or even admiration. “Eish, that was a long queue at the shisa nyama!”
5. Ja, Nee
A phrase borrowed from Afrikaans, “Ja, nee” (literally “yes, no”) is used to agree with someone in a casual, drawn-out way. Example: “Ja, nee, that Sharks game was hectic, hey?”
6. Lekker
Another Afrikaans gem, “lekker” means “great” or “awesome.” If someone asks how your weekend was, you can simply say, “Yoh, it was lekker, bru!”
7. Chowing & Bunny Chow
“Chowing” means eating, and if you’re in Durban, you absolutely have to try a bunny chow—a hollowed-out half-loaf of bread filled with spicy curry. “Let’s go chow a bunny, I’m starving!”
8. Jol
A “jol” means a party or a good time. “We had a proper jol at the beachfront last night!” can mean anything from a fun night out to a relaxed day at the beach.
9. Skelm
If someone is being sneaky or shady, they’re a “skelm.” “Watch out for that skelm trying to jump the queue!”
10. Durban Weather Talk – Hectic, Hey?
In Durban, when the humidity hits hard, locals will say, “Yoh, this heat is hectic, hey?” It’s the default way of discussing anything intense, whether it’s the weather or a Sharks rugby match.
Final Thoughts
Durban’s slang is as warm and vibrant as its people. Whether you’re chowing a bunny chow, having a lekker jol, or just greeting someone with a casual “Howzit, bru?”—embracing the local lingo is part of the experience. Now go out there and chat like a true Durbanite!
