Discover Contemporary Shona Slang
A community-driven dictionary of modern Zimbabwean expressions
All Words(360 words)
Nope. Nah. Negative, Ghost Rider. A one-syllable slap to any yes-or-no question.
Reply word that flatly denies or rejects whatever was just asked or suggested, similar to “nah” in English. Common swap: “maya”.
"Gogo: Nhai muzukuru, atete vakakupawo nzungu kubva kumusha? John: Meke. Gogo: Huh?!"
"Gogo: Grandson, did your aunty give you my peanuts from rural home? John: No. Gogo: Huh?!"
Okay, good, all clear. The verbal nod that says, “No worries, proceed.”
Think of it as the ghetto ISO-9001 stamp for anything from a spliff to weekend plans. Pro-tip: If someone hesitates before saying “safe,” it probably isn’t. Ask again - or prepare for plot twists.
"Jahman shizha ramurikumona iri safe here?"
"Dread, is the spliff you are rolling good?"
(n.) A hustle blueprint, scheme, or last-minute fix. (v.) To sort something out MacGyver-style when resources = 0. If life gives you lemons and no sugar, plan means you still conjure Mazoe somehow.
A creative fix or scheme; to make things happen against the odds. Pro-tip: In Zim, if someone says “Ita ka plan,” translation = “Perform magic, fam.” Batteries not included.
"Sha, ita ka plan timbonakirwa weekend!"
"Mate, sort something out so we can have fun this weekend!"