Only in South Africa could a word like gatvol — meaning “I’ve had enough!” — sit proudly next to tchookie and zol in a world-renowned dictionary. It’s proof that our languages are as colourful, expressive, and proudly local as we are!

HOT 1027 News is reporting that South African slang is officially getting the recognition it deserves — with these proudly Mzansi words being added to the latest Oxford dictionary editions. It’s another reminder of how our vibrant, ever-evolving way of speaking captures the heart and humour of our culture.

As language continues to shift with each generation, dictionary publishers are working hard to keep up. Dariol Wicomb, Dictionaries Publisher at Oxford University Press South Africa, says modern dictionaries are anything but boring. “Language is a living, breathing thing,” she explains. “We monitor how people use words — in schools, on social media, even in music — so our dictionaries reflect the real South Africa.”

And they do! The latest editions come alive with colour, pictures, and examples that show exactly how words are used — from the classroom to the kasi. You might even spot local phrases popping up online, where artificial intelligence and digital tools are helping kids learn how to pronounce them correctly.