ON Tuesday, 23 December, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), in partnership with media research company Focal Points, announced the 2025 South African Word of the Year.
"After carefully considering a range of words, terms and expressions, G20 was selected as the winner, prevailing over other notable contenders such as Government of National Unity, Tariffs, Femicide and the Madlanga Commission," said PanSALB's Marketing and Communication Head Ntombentle Huluhulu.
The 2025 SA Word of the Year for Social Media was awarded to "Valid," chosen from a shortlist that included Hao Khonahale, Nonchalant, Clock it, Nodolozana and Ama1k, among others.
Huluhulu said the organisation conducted the selection process by shortlisting candidates based on authentic language usage.
Focal Points analysed frequency data from 1 January to December 2025, monitoring keywords used extensively in reputable print, broadcast and online media.
She said G20 emerged as the most prominent keyword, largely due to South Africa hosting the G20 summit in 2025.
"This was followed by Government of National Unity (GNU) and Tariffs. These terms capture major events and issues that shaped South Africa in 2025, including politics, international affairs and social challenges," said Huluhulu.
She said the word Valid emerged as the winner within the Social Media category.
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She said: "Valid is a Gen Z slang that refers to something that's considered acceptable, legitimate or worthy of approval. It's often used to validate someone's feelings, opinions or experiences, signifying agreement or support. This is followed by Clock it (to notice or call out something), which reflects youth and digital culture.
"Other words nominated in this category included Hao khonahale which is a Sipitori term for it's not possible or impossible made popular by DJ Maphorisa."
The South African Sign Language Sign of the Year is the SASL Sign for "I Love You", which was up against signs for "so lekker", "magnificent" and sign for "Constitution".
The SA Word of the Year reflects preoccupations of South Africans for a given period and serves as an essential indicator of the nation's cultural and social landscape.
