Most Googled slang words in SA 2025
Here are South Africa's top Googled slang words and their meanings.
Skibidi, rizz, and sigma had the internet buzzing as they grew in popularity and became the newest set of slang among younger generations.
"Popular slang in 2025 continues to be heavily influenced by TikTok, Instagram, gaming, streaming, Gen Z and Alpha online communities. Trends from social media spread rapidly via memes and viral challenges," says Randoh Sallihall, the spokesperson for Unscramblerer.
Although these slang words have become common among youngsters, many of us were left clueless, having to sneakily Google the words to make sure we understood their meaning.
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It’s no wonder that people are having a hard time keeping up with new slang words, seeing that language is changing more rapidly than ever due to social media.
"Fuelled by technology, our language adapts to new slang trends more rapidly than ever. Slang is a fascinating and fun mirror of our culture," added Sallihall.
Analysing data from Google Trends from 1 January 2025 to 30 September 2025, experts at Unscramblerer.com revealed the most searched-for slang words in South Africa.
Here are the most Googled slang words in South Africa in 2025 and their meanings:
1. Gaslighting (28,000 searches)
When someone tries to twist the truth so much that you start questioning your own memories, feelings or sanity.
They will deny things they clearly did, making you doubt yourself.
2. Sigma (15,000 searches)
Describes someone who walks their own path, independent, confident and not chasing social approval.
The classic "lone wolf" type who does things on their own terms.
3. Sybau (14,000 searches)
A rude internet shorthand for "shut your b- ass up". It is blunt, aggressive and definitely not polite.
4. Bop (12,000 searches)
Used for someone who jumps from person to person romantically or sexually, known as "bopping around".
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It is also used online as an insult for people who post in a way that seems attention-seeking or immodest.
5. PMO (10,500 searches)
Can mean two completely different things depending on context, either "put me on" (meaning introduce me to something cool or new) or "pisses me off" (when something is irritating).
6. Gooning (9,000 searches)
Originally a niche term for spending too long in self-stimulation, but it has evolved into describing when someone becomes completely lost in obsession, such as zoning out over a hobby or hyperfixation.
7. 6-7 (8,000 searches)
Honestly, it doesn’t mean anything and that is the joke. It is part of absurd internet humour, sometimes called "brainrot", where the randomness itself is funny. It comes from Skrilla's 'Doot Doot' (6 7) and a viral LaMelo Ball clip bragging about being 6'7".
Teens shout it dramatically for laughs.
8. Glazing (7,000 searches)
Calling someone out for giving too many compliments, often so much that it feels fake or desperate.
9. Delulu (6,500 searches)
Short for "delusional". Used for people whose fantasies go too far, such as thinking a celebrity crush is secretly interested in them or imagining a romance that doesn’t exist.
10. Zesty (6,000 searches)
Someone who is full of energy and flair, outgoing, expressive and maybe a bit extra in a fun way.
11. Huzz (5,600 searches)
A modern way to say "boo" or "bae". Usually refers to an attractive girl, or a group of girls, that someone is trying to impress. It used to have a more negative meaning, but has become more affectionate.
12. Syfm (5,000 searches)
Short for "so you f-ing missed". Said when someone completely overlooks something obvious, as in "How did you not get that?"
13. Aura farming (4,300 searches)
Doing something purely to look cool or mysterious, performing confidence for the aesthetic.
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Commonly associated with anime or online "main character" energy.
14. Chopped (4,000 searches)
A newer way to say something is ugly, bad or simply not appealing. If something is "chopped", it is getting rejected, a definite pass.
15. Big back (3,000 searches)
A joking insult for someone seen as out of shape or lazy, although it is often used less about size and more to mock behaviour, such as being greedy or sluggish.
16. Clanker (3,000 searches)
An insult aimed at robots, AI or anything that feels emotionless. Saying "I'm talking to a clanker" means you are dealing with a bot or someone acting like one.
17. Fanum tax (2,000 searches)
Playfully taking a bite of your friend's food without asking, inspired by streamer Fanum, who made it a running joke online.
18. Green FN (2,000 searches)
Slang for perfection, such as nailing a perfect basketball shot or doing something flawlessly.
The term comes from NBA 2K, where a perfectly timed shot flashes green.
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