Discover Contemporary Shona Slang
A community-driven dictionary of modern Zimbabwean expressions
All Words(360 words)
To steal / pinch / jack something that isn’t yours. Usually slick, often petty, but always frowned upon unless you’re the one scoring the loot.
Public Service Announcement 🛑 If you get caught “uchi bhozhongora masinhi” in Harare CBD, expect free doses of mucheka from the crowd. Stay honest, kids! Synonyms include bhosha, nyambita, simudza, tora, “five-finger discount”.
"Ukasiya phone yako pacharger vanokubhozhongora faster"
"Leave your phone charging and they’ll jack it with zero hesitation."
Bribing or the act of greasing someone’s hand to make bureaucracy magically disappear.
Public Service Announcement: Bribing may speed things up but so can a free tour of Chikurubi if you get caught. Choose your shortcuts wisely!
"Hapana kunzi parikuda kutonyora here kuti upihwe basa?"
"Didn't they say you need to bribe to get the job?"
Easily, quickly, fast
"Mbinga iya haibatike zvakumhanya"
"You can't get hold of that rich man easily"