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tekkie

(South Africa) An athletic shoe, a trainer, a sneaker.

ˈtɛkiDocumented since 1980s1980sGen Xhistorical181 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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Born ~1980 · no dated citations yet
1980BornToday, 2026

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Global
#1·Apr 27, 2026Global

(South Africa) An athletic shoe, a trainer, a sneaker.

For parents

Tekkie means: An athletic shoe, a trainer, a sneaker.. It is mainly South African English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

For ESL learners

tekkie means: An athletic shoe, a trainer, a sneaker.. Register: informal, South African English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself.

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For specific readers

Tekkie means: An athletic shoe, a trainer, a sneaker.. It is mainly South African English and may not be understood outside that context. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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