PanSALB
1Min
South Africa
Dec 23, 2025
The Pan South African Language Board has named “G20” as South Africa’s Word of the Year for 2025 following its prominence during the year, driven largely by the country hosting the G20 summit. The social media Word of the Year was “Valid,” while the South African Sign Language Sign of the Year was the sign for “I Love You.”
The Pan South African Language Board PanSALB, in partnership with media research company Focal Points, has announced “G20” as the South African Word of the Year for 2025.
The announcement was made on Tuesday following a selection process that considered a wide range of words, terms and expressions that featured prominently in public discourse throughout the year. According to PanSALB, “G20” emerged as the leading word after prevailing over other shortlisted contenders, including Government of National Unity, Tariffs, Femicide and the Madlanga Commission.
Focal Points analysed frequency data covering the period from 1 January to December 2025. The analysis monitored keywords that appeared regularly across reputable print, broadcast and online media platforms. “G20” recorded the highest usage, largely driven by South Africa hosting the G20 summit in 2025. The terms Government of National Unity and Tariffs followed closely, reflecting major political, economic and international developments that shaped the country during the year.
In the Social Media category, the word “Valid” was selected as the 2025 SA Word of the Year. PanSALB said the term, commonly used in Gen Z slang, refers to something regarded as acceptable or worthy of approval and is often used to express agreement or support. “Clock it,” meaning to notice or call out something, was listed as a runner up. Other nominated social media words included Hao khonahale, a Sipitori term meaning it is not possible, which gained popularity through musician DJ Maphorisa.
PanSALB also announced the South African Sign Language Sign of the Year. The SASL sign for “I Love You” was selected ahead of signs for so lekker, magnificent and Constitution.
PanSALB said the South African Word of the Year reflects the issues, experiences and language trends that dominate public life over a given period and provides insight into the country’s cultural and social landscape.
PanSALB is a constitutional body mandated to promote multilingualism and advance the development of previously marginalised languages in South Africa.
