SA Word of Year contenders range from light-hearted to stark
Pan South African Language Board announces shortlist for 2026 SA Word of Year and Social Media Word of Year candidates.
The annual shortlist of words from South African language authorities, the Pan South African Language Board in collaboration with Focal Points, has been unveiled. These contenders aim to encapsulate the spirit of the year through language. The list for 2026's SA Word of the Year and Social Media Word of the Year is a mix of light-hearted and stark terms.
On the lighter side, TikTok sensation 'clock it' – highlighting one's true intentions or evasions – and expressions like 'nikhona' (meaning 'where are you?' or 'are you around'), as well as 'gone kanje' (coined by Amapiano artist Scott Maphuma, signifying 'gone already' or 'gone in a flash', popularized by Amapiano singer Scott Maphuma) are among the contenders.
More somber entries include 'diabolical' and 'abahambe' (meaning 'they must go'), 'ashwagandha', and serious issues such as the 'Madlanga Commission', illegal immigration, gender-based violence, and xenophobia. The list also includes 'femicide'. While lighter terms like 'nikhona' and 'clock it' bring a touch of humor, the more serious words reflect the challenging times South Africans are facing.
Prior winners have included global events like the 'G20', 'load shedding', 'vaccination', 'lockdown', and 'land expropriation without compensation'. The year ahead remains a mystery.
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