Abstract
The aim of this research article is to examine language borrowing in Mqapheli Mngadi's cartoons, and this is done by considering loan-words as one of the language borrowing processes. While the study adopts ethnography of communication as the main theory to guide the analysis of the textually analysed data, the study is broadly grounded on socio-stylistics. This is because one of its aims is to critically evaluate the socio-stylistic significance of language borrowing in Mngadi's selected editorial cartoons. The findings of the study demonstrate that Mngadi employs loan-words to artistically depict context, culture and setting in his cartoons. It was also discovered that the cartoonist, in some instances, uses loan words because there are no isiZulu equivalents. On the same note, he uses them when a more suitable word is preferred, so that the cartoons are more relatable and contextualised.