In this chapter, the three authors, have written their chapter aimed to: (i) outline the composition of Shona slang; (ii) analyze Shona slang in terms of its ideology and motivations; and (iii) explain Shona slang within the framework of Zimbabwe’s current political and socioeconomic situation. Popular Shona slang phrases used by young people living in ghettos in three Zimbabwean townships were gathered through focus group discussions (FGDs), observation, and listening to conversations in natural settings. The three-dimensional Critical Discourse Analysis model developed by Norman Fairclough was used to analyze the collected data. According to Fairclough, language is a social practice, and interactions, language, and context are all related. The gathered samples of Shona slang were explained, interpreted, and characterized in the context of this understanding before being investigated in terms of ideologies and motivations. From the analysis of the collected data, the study concluded that creative word coining and extending the meanings of pre-existing Shona phrases are the main sources of street Shona slang’s appeal. This linguistic innovation frequently produces humorous, catchy language forms that appeal to the youth. Despite its light-hearted tone, Shona slang does contain important observations about Zimbabwean culture. Thus, the chapter makes the case that even if Shona slang is a humorous kind of Shona that is expanding quickly, it cannot be trivialized since it can be seen as a satirical form of protest and resistance against the political and socioeconomic realities in Zimbabwe.

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