South African slang for something utterly revolting, gross, or repulsive — physical or otherwise.
South African slang for something utterly revolting, gross, or repulsive — physical or otherwise. Pronounced quickly and spat out with attitude, sif can describe a festering wound, a disgusting smell, terrible food, or a morally gross piece of behaviour. It's versatile enough to cover the physical and the figurative, and carries a strong emotional charge — this isn't mild distaste, it's full visceral rejection. Common in South African Cape slang and widely understood across the country's youth slang landscape.
She took one sniff of the month-old leftovers and immediately threw them out — that was sif, no question.
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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.
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South African slang for something that's cool, excellent, or just generally great. Kiff is the go-to positive adjective in South African English — versatile enough to describe a sick surf break, a great party, a tasty meal, or a solid mate. It's upbeat and casual, deeply embedded in Cape Town beach and youth culture. When something is kiff, there's no higher informal praise.
(African American Vernacular English) Aggressive-looking, tough.
(South Africa) ; excellent.
South African slang for stupid or thick-headed — used informally to describe someone lacking intelligence or common sense. Widely used across South African English regardless of racial or linguistic background. Closer in tone to 'dumb' or 'dopey' than to a serious insult; often used affectionately between friends.
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(South Africa, slang) , disgusting.
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