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 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.
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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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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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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(South Africa, slang) Money.
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Sixpence or a small amount of money.
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