On Tuesday, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) officially crowned their winner for South African Word of the Year.
In 2025, a diplomatic acronym beat out street slang, social issues and political buzzwords. So, what is it?
Drum roll…
The South African Word of the Year for 2025 is “G20.”
The choice reflects a year dominated by global attention, policy debates and international headlines, with South Africa hosting the G20 summit in 2025.
G20, which stands for the “Group of Twenty,” is an international forum bringing together 19 major economies (countries) and the European Union (plus the African Union as a permanent guest) to discuss global economic cooperation, financial stability, sustainable development, and other pressing worldwide issues.
According to PanSALB and media research company Focal Points, “G20” was the most frequently used keyword across print, broadcast and online media throughout the year.
GBV issues enter Word of the Year shortlist
The selection wasn’t just a gut call. Focal Points analysed language usage from January to December 2025, tracking which words South Africans were actually using – not just what sounded trendy.
Other heavyweight contenders didn’t quite make the top spot. These included:
- Government of National Unity (GNU)
- Tariffs
- Femicide
- The Madlanga Commission
Each reflects a different pressure point in the national conversation, from coalition politics to trade tensions and social justice.
Out of the mouths of babes
While “G20” ruled the news cycle, social media told a very different story.
The SA Word of the Year for Social Media went to a Gen Z favourite – “Valid.”
“This word is often used to validate someone’s feelings, opinions, or experiences, signifying agreement or support,” writes PanSALB.
The rest of the Social Media nominees were:
- Clock it (to notice or call something out) – reflecting youth and digital culture.
- Hao khonahale (Sipitori for “it’s not possible”, made popular by Dj Maphorisa).
- Nonchalant
- Nodolozana
- Ama1k
Meanwhile, the South African Sign Language Sign of the Year was awarded to the sign for “I Love You”, edging out signs for “so lekker”, “magnificent” and “Constitution”.
To find out the Collins Dictionary Word of the Year for 2025, click here.
About PanSALB
PanSALB is a constitutional body mandated to create conditions for the recognition, implementation and furtherance of multilingualism in the Republic of South Africa; and the development of previously marginalised languages.
