Zak means: South African slang for money or cash, with origins in the old sixpence coin . The word has broadened from referring to a specific small coin to money generally, though it often retains a connotation. 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.
zak
South African slang for money or cash, with origins in the old sixpence coin (also called a 'zak').
Definitions
South African slang for money or cash, with origins in the old sixpence coin (also called a 'zak'). The word has broadened from referring to a specific small coin to money generally, though it often retains a connotation of small or insignificant amounts. Used informally across South African English by speakers of all backgrounds. The sixpence was also called a 'zak' specifically.
He didn't have a single zak left after the weekend.
Zak means: South African slang for money or cash, with origins in the old sixpence coin . The word has broadened from referring to a specific small coin to money generally, though it often retains a connotation. 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.
zak means: South African slang for money or cash, with origins in the old sixpence coin . The word has broadened from referring to a specific small coin to money generally, though it often. Register: very informal, slang. Suitable only for casual conversation, chat and social media. Do not use in business, academic or news writing. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.
Comments
Sixpence or a small amount of money.
Comments
(South Africa, slang) Money.
Comments
For specific readers
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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South African slang for a cannabis cigarette or joint. Widely used in South African English across racial and cultural communities, it is one of the most recognizable terms in South African cannabis slang. The word carries a casual, street-level register and is typically used without particular emphasis on the drug's illegality or otherwise — it's simply the everyday word for a joint in South African usage.
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(Australia) Sixpence.
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(Australia, rare) Five cents.