‘G20’ crowned South Africa’s Word of the Year

From global diplomacy to everyday conversation, South Africa’s public discourse this year was shaped by a single three-letter term, "G20".

Reflecting the political and economic moments that shaped national debate, “G20” has been named South Africa’s Word of the Year, surpassing contenders such as “Government of National Unity,” “Tariffs,” “Femicide,” and the “Madlanga Commission,” according to the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and media research firm Focal Points.

"The SA Word of the Year reflects the preoccupations of South Africans for a given period and serves as an essential indicator of the nation's cultural and social landscape," the PanSALB said. 

The selection process, a careful curation of authentic language usage, witnessed “G20” emerge as the standout word, driven by South Africa's pivotal role as the host nation for the G20 summit in 2025. This significance was echoed in the analytics provided by Focal Points, which examined the frequency of terms in various media outlets from January to December 2025. Following “G20,” the runners-up included “Government of National Unity (GNU)” and “Tariffs,” highlighting the noteworthy political and economic discussions that shaped South Africa's narrative over the year.

In a fresh reflection of digital culture, the title for the 2025 SA Word of the Year for Social Media was awarded to the slang term “Valid.” Popularised among younger generations, this dynamic expression encapsulates approval and affirmation, often used to validate personal feelings and opinions. Other contenders for this category included “Clock it,” a phrase for noticing or calling out something, and “Hao khonahale,” a Sipitori term meaning “it’s not possible,” or "impossible," made popular by musical sensation Themba Sekowe, known professionally as DJ Maphorisa.

The celebration of language also extended to the South African Sign Language Sign of the Year, with the affectionate sign for “I Love You” taking the crown. This heartfelt sign faced off against other charming gestures such as “so lekker,” “magnificent,” and the sign for “Constitution,” highlighting the diversity found within South African languages.