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zak

South African slang for money or cash, with origins in the old sixpence coin (also called a 'zak').

/zˈæk/2.5K viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

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.
Origin: From Afrikaans 'sak' (pocket, purse) or possibly from an old coin name; the sixpence sense predates the general money sense. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora (model-assisted, hedged).
For parents

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.

For ESL learners

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.

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#2·Apr 27, 2026

Sixpence or a small amount of money.

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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(South Africa, slang) Money.

Cluster: money
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For specific readers

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.

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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🗺️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.

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