mapantsula
In South African township culture, a mapantsula (plural: mapantsula) is a street-smart hustler or petty gangster — but it's also a whole aesthetic and identity.
Definitions
In South African township culture, a mapantsula (plural: mapantsula) is a street-smart hustler or petty gangster — but it's also a whole aesthetic and identity. Mapantsula style is sharp: flat caps, tight trousers, and quick footwork. The term was immortalized in the 1988 South African film of the same name and carried forward as a marker of township cool. It can be a critique or a compliment depending on context, straddling the line between badman and style icon.
That mapantsula on the corner always had the freshest gear and knew everyone in the neighborhood.
Comments
(South Africa) petty gangster.
Comments
Have a better definition?
Add your own interpretation of "mapantsula".
🗺️About Regional & Other slang
Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.
Tags
Other words near "mapantsula" (M)
Browse all slang words starting with M.
Related terms
People also read
Semantically related
- pantsula71%
(South Africa) A member of a South African urban subculture of the 20th century, characterised by expensive clothing and aggressive behaviour.
- pantsula67%
(South Africa) A syncopated, quick-stepping, low-to-the-ground form of dance associated with this subculture.
- mampara60%
(South Africa, slang) A fool; a buffoon.
- mshoza58%
(South Africa) A female member of the pantsula subculture.