isiZulu: Can YOU swear in Zulu?

isiZulu: Can YOU swear in Zulu?isiZulu is one of South Africa's official languages But do you know how to swear in Zulu? Here's what you can (but should never) say!

by Alex Coyne

07-11-2023 09:52

in Africa News

Cavin Johnson, coach of AmaZulu reacts during the Absa Premiership 2019/20 Highlands Park and AmaZulu at Ulwazi Centre MultiChoice City, Johannesburg. Photo: Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

isiZulu is one of the country's official languages, and you might already know how to say things like hello', thank you' and goodbye' in the language. If you don't yet, then you might be able to benefit from some lessons!

--

But can YOU swear in isiZulu?

ALSO READ: Moon in Zulu: Did YOU know how to say it?

For many language learners, swear words are one of the first things they learn and this can actually make some languages quicker and easier to learn about!

--

What's the nastiest isiZulu word you know?

ALSO READ: Bible in iziZulu: Read it here in YOUR language

Here's a look at some popular insults in this South African language.

--

isiZulu insults We have language so that we can communicate, although communication doesn't always go the way it's intended. Have you ever bumped your toe and would like to express how you feel about it in isiZulu? Would you like to yell at someone in a new language?

Here are some of the things you generally shouldn't say in Zulu.

Hlanya! According to Wikitionary, the word hlanya' is isiZulu for crazy or mad.

This isn't something to call your grandmother, but it might be something you can call your best friend!

Ibele According to In Different Languages, the word ibele' is isiZulu for breast.

It's not something you should say in conversation, but it's something you might be able to call someone if you're willing to start running immediately after you have.

According to StackExchange, it's common to insult someone by calling them a breast' in English!

Inyoka! If you hear the phrase inyoka' then it either refers to jelly sweets, actual snakes, or someone who has nasty characteristics likened to slithering reptiles.

Sometimes, the phrase is also used as South African slang for cable thieves.

From isiZulu to Insults in Other Languages What's your mothertongue, and what is the nastiest phrase you could teach someone else as a first step to their language learning?

ALSO READ: isiZulu SpongeBob SquarePants has SA abuzz [Watch]

South Africans have had a lot of fun with the debate about the meaning of the word kant' and other words that sound similar!

Tell us YOUR mothertongue What insults do you have in your language?

ALSO READ: Scandals, stalkers and more: Six crazy SA celebrity stories

Teach some of your fellow South Africans and let us know!

Send your feedback to info@thesouthafrican.com; alternatively you can send us a WhatsApp message on +27 60 011 0211

READ MORE ARTICLES BY ALEX J COYNE

Is jy Afrikaans? Kliek hier vir nuus in jou taal!

LINK:	https://www.thesouthafrican.com/lifestyle/isizulu-can-you-swear-in-zul...
	See more stories from thesouthafrican

Most recent headlines