We have a huge diversity of marine ecosystems and a variety of species. 8. WebBelow are 50 phrases and slang tourists may hear when visiting South Africa. After saying it a few times, you actually start to understand why South Africans say it. This sounds like good morning, only with the night being called nag. In case you happen to be lodged somewhere and have grown fond of the people around, such that you now consider them as family, or they consider you as one. Is Kavan Smith Married and Who is The Wife, What Is His Net Worth? (Oh no, I have misplaced my phone somewhere.). Ag man! aida AIDS. buck the main unit of currency: in South Africa the rand, and from the American use of the word for the dollar. But compared with it at its best, English has reached the Alexandrian stage of formalism and decay.Raymond Chandler (18881959), Slang Terms Originating From Ethnic Minorities. you may actually be quite familiar with shame. Answersafrica.com copyright 2022. In recent years, American slang has yielded words like sick or wicked to mean Yes. Hosh is usually used to get someones attention and a variant of this expression is Hosh, jy raak wys which means Hello, show me what you are made of. stomach = maag (human), pens (animal) foot = voet (human), poot (animal) mouth = You will hear someone say: "That was a lekker experience". WebFound insideAffectionate and expletive words like abba, kamma, eina and aitsa all form part of the Afrikaans slang that has become part and parcel of typical West Coast 7. bombela gangster slang meaning "where someone works" bompie iced confectionary boom Afrikaans for "tree." Sometimes used to express anger or exasperation. Thank you Liz! South Africa is that other country. outside of South Africa!) Many of these terms occur in the Cape Town and Durban areas, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng. WebSouth African slang everyone should know Ag, man! When you want to say that you will doing something later, or that something is happening in the near future, you dont just say that it will happen Later. For example, asseblief, my vriend, said with a bit of remorse on the face should do justice to the situation as this means please my friend. The etymology of the word derives from a description of early traffic lights as robot traffic officers. Lekker, pronounced as lek-uh, is a term that you will frequently hear most people in South Africa say. This rich language, which is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language. 14. He was tuning me just now from his bakkie my bokkie is a soutie and a rooinek. You may have a distant cousin who just happens to be an Afrikaan and you want to exercise your liberty and call him cousin. Assuming you continue, youll probably hear the term Bliksem. 6. When you want to express such a bond, you can use the word familie to say family. Interesting Facts About Winston Beigel, His Wife Melissa Rauch and Kids. Lucas[who?] The word waati most popular in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town townships, simply means water. Arvie: Afternoon, e.g., Well pop round for tea sometime this arvie. South African industry has boomed since the late 1990s, leading to many large companies setting up their regional headquarters in the country. 2. barbara straight man. Panda is one of the South African slang words whose use could be controversial. Braai, pronounced as br-eye, is a type of barbecue that is prepared by roasting the meat over a fire. It means aunt which is also the same meaning for Afrikaans speakers. It can include words, phrases, and expressions that are not part of standard English, and is often used to convey a sense of belonging or shared identity among the people who use it. agatha a gossip. Ubuntu (oo boon to):This is a South African philosophy derived from the isiZulus word for goodness with the central tenet that a human being is a human being because of other human beings, a human being is not an island. They typically occur in use in the South Africa townships, but some have become increasingly popular among white youth. The meat is roasted outdoor using coals in a fire. Slang words in most cases are coined from the native languages of the area where they are used. The communication of how you care or cherish for someone can no longer be impeded by a language barrier when you are in an Afrikaans-speaking country. Bra / Bru Bro / Dude. The term is largely derived from the Afrikaans word boet, meaning Brother. It originates from the Afrikaan word bang and it is used to scare people or make the person be afraid. The slang this basically used by Afrikaans to greet people. Slangs are words that are coined by the natives of a particular area and their use suits the context of how the word came into existence. Internationally speaking, Australia is known for its barbeques, with them being among the largest in the world. 4. These are mostly regional differences. Your email address will not be published. 18. Isit (iz it): This is an exclamation of surprise similar to English is that true? stomach = maag (human), pens (animal) foot = voet (human), poot (animal) mouth = mond (human), bek (animal) drink = drink (human), suip (animal) . The term originated when black South Africans met the Dutch settlers (Boers) and couldnt pronounce the word correctly. Expression of pity, resignation, or irritation Examples: Ag man, Ive Meaning if you are a bird watcher or nature lover you will never be disappointed! These terms do not occur in formal South African English. #20. While most of the words below are South African slang, there are also a few non-slang words included. Comes from the African word for "person" N'er: Blacks: Nonchalant way of saying "nigger." Braii is not just a noun either, it is also a verb. Vrou is a slang that originates from the Afrikaans and is used to address a wife or sometimes a woman. In most of the English-speaking world, Skinner is used as a last name. Braii Barbeque. Afrikaans is a language that is indigenous to about 10 million people in different countries of southern Africa, from South Africa to Botswana, some parts of Namibia and Zimbabwe. The slang this basically used by Afrikaans to greet people. Up until Apartheid, shebeen was only an Irish word. Example:Awe, my bru! 3. Steph Purk LLC 2019 - 2023 | All Rights Reserved. For example, 2. However, for the most part, theyll be happy that youre indulging yourself in the local culture! Those who speak English use the equivalent English words as slang. 12. Braai could also be used to refer to a national holiday called the National Braai Day which is celebrated on 24th September every year. Some South Africans also use it to mean to have fun as well! Raptor Translations Magazine. Skollie (skor ly):Also referred to as skabenga (ska beng ga) and skelm (skeh lim). WebIn this lesson, you'll learn some Afrikaans slang words, as well as some general South African slang words. For the most part, this is due to racial tensions between the white South Africans and black South Africans. For example, I go give you gbosa for head! means I will punch/slap your head! The word can also be used when describing the sound of a punch, as in Pow!. Peradventure you find yourself in one of the Afrikaans communities and you intend to thrill them a little and show them a sense of belonging, it is worth knowing a couple of basic Afrikaans words. Thank you. And this is what lekkers literal meaning is. Yes, in South African slang, the term just now does actually mean Later. Now the word is used to refer to a particular sub-culture of homeless people who are usually found in Cape Town. an expression of dismissal, disbelief, or rejection. He was a really nice guy, what happened?!. \bluhk-suhm\) strike, hit, punch; also used as an expression of surprise/emphasis (rude). WebJol party / to have fun Kiff / Kief cool. Aikona! Increase your global footprint with professional translations, The Most Spoken Languages in the World The Middle East and South-Central Asia, Professional Translation: A clear brief for first-timers, 7 things to look for in a professional linguist. Achuz Friend (from "accused". ", S , " ". 15 South African Slang Words You (Might) Want to Use! Many feelings could be expressed by paying attention to body language, and words can be used to describe such feelings. That's a lot of ways to say hello. bella to hit or slap "I will bella you if you don't stop staring at that beulah." D . This slang is an action word which means to punch or slap, but can be as well used to refer to the sound made when someone or something is being punched. Hey bru, it's lekker day today for a jol ek s! [ach-man] Oh man! Another variant for ekse is Whakind eks. Some could be used for contexts that do not mean to be offensive. COLONIAL HISTORY: The Dutch and the British fought over South Africa. Beth Thomas Child of Rage Bio: What Did She Do To Her Brother, Where Is She Now? It sounds like being carefree. SOUTH AFRICAN SLANG WORD OF THE DAY: WAATI. Hey, were going to Mkhizes jol, were you invited?Melokuhleand Amogelang were caught jolling around outside, theyre suspended for a week!. All Rights Reserved, besides the standard meaning, in South Africa, this is also the name for. The Afrikaans uses it as a curse. Webfuella furious gail chat gayle the name for this slang gonda a vagina harriet hairy man hilda ugly (or horrible), usually referring to a not-so good looking guy jenny masturbate jessica jealous julia jewellery laura lover lettie lesbian lisa male model lulu laugh marie mad marjorie margerine mary obvious homosexual It was previously used to mean advantage but now means a disadvantage. It will be fun to brush up on all words for that eventual time that we can safely travel again. And for the most part, it is used in that way. Your email address will not be published. , ( . 8. Webada backside. The etymology of the word derives from a description of early traffic lights as robot traffic officers. It could also be used to express astonishment, especially in a rude manner. WINE: South Africas Cape Winelands have over 550 wineries. PREHISTORIC TIMES: The oldest remains of modern humans were found in South Africa and are well over 160,000 years old. This is just a small selection of the country's most popular slang, words and phrases: bakkie - a utility or pick-up truck 1. I hope that you will find it useful for you. 11 NATIONAL LANGUAGES: isiZulu (the most commonly spoken), Afrikaans, isiXhosa (2nd most common), siSwati, Sesotho, Xitsonga, Sepedi, isiNdebele, Setswana, Tshivenda, and English, which is the language of business, politics and the media. It is neef. These languages have led to the formation of slang words in the country which are used and are as equally accepted as some of the languages themselves. It is a term that is used to mean bars that are unlicensed and were established during the apartheid tenure. WebHere are a few Afrikaans slangs and their meaning preceding them: 22. used to describe a person who is suffering from a hangover. If you happen to be in South Africa and hear any of these words being mentioned, do not mistake them for Afrikaans insults. Naca: Blacks: North American Concrete Ape: NAGA: Blacks: North American Ground Ape; Affectionately used by the LAPD during the Watts riot in Los Angeles. 1. ", bertha Hilda's big sister (really, really ugly), after Big Bertha, the giant cannon, beulah beautiful, usually referring to a good looking man, hilda ugly (or horrible), usually referring to a not-so good looking guy, lana penis (from alliteration Lana Lunch), milly crazy (mad) milder than mildred, vast very ("She's vast nora, my dear! In Afrikaans, slap means limp. The term was first used to refer to a white male for positive reasons. Maybe next time!. These bars were in most cases frequented by the blacks. Who Is Ze Nxumalo, Tamaryn Greens Husband? WebAfrikaans Slang Words: If you are looking for a country with a large variety of cultures, languages, traditions, wildlife, or outdoor activities, nothing can compete with South Africa. How is it or Hello Awe The word Awe which is an English word to show surprise is actually used as slang in the Afrikaans language. Truth About The Xhosa Tribe - Culture, Traditional Attire and Food, Andile provides articles on anything from Politics, Sports, History and entertainment to funny, creepy and weird. Fokkende = fucking, gefok = fucked. Example (place): Kaapstad is `n lekker plek. Read more about the languages spoken in South Africa. Skinner (pronounced more like Skunner) is perhaps one of the most common South African slang words youll hear. 9. If you want to know that a South African is mad at you, be sure to check out for this term. Enjoy! WebAfrikaans slang words. The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. Indeed, this is partly the same in South Africa, albeit with only a very (very) small amount of the population having Skinner as a last name. Skinner[skuhn-her] is Afrikaans slang for gossip. Perhaps not surprisingly, as many of these parties involve alcohol, jolling (a verb derived from jol) is a South African slang term used in the same way that American slang speakers might use the term to make out. It is currently being used to refer to white males for the wrong reasons. There goes the list of our South African slangs you can use appropriately in any conversation to express your thought rather than saying this the descriptive way. annie anus. Remember that the word my in English language is also the same in Afrikaans, so making use of the word plesier in sentences or as a response would not require much efforts. Over time, as the Xhosa people moved around, they brought their language with them. Munt: Blacks: Rhodesian. Do you know any useful South African phrases? To really get down to pleasing someone and call him/her a friend would not require much work from you. They typically occur in use in South Africa's townships, but some have become increasingly popular amongst white youth. Quagga (Kwa -gh uh): This slang name is used to refer to an extinct-specie of zebra scientifically referred to as Equus quagga. After it became a republic in 1961, South Africas official name became the Republic of South Africa. Unfortunately, that is not the case here. For example, The food was lekker, or We had a lekker day. South African Children| Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Kief (Originated from Afrikaans slang bot.) The term is pronounced as agh! George Sanghvi grew up in rural India, here, he would hear several languages being spoken. Meaning: There are no problems : dont worry about it. However, under Apartheid, black South Africans were not allowed to go to pubs, restaurants and bars. Depending on where you are in the country, the dominant language will vary. eks from Afrikaans, translated it means I say. Meaning nice, enjoyable, pleasing, tasty, fun, and so forth. The term is commonly used to mean "I want to get off just around the corner". This Afrikaans Swear Words Adult Coloring Book has 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae6f53769e78da56a53ed57b71d8d621" );document.getElementById("h4622ea341").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); www.fluentella.com 2022. South African slang everyone should know Ag, man! Ja, he's kwaai! It can be followed by a number of other words to emphasize the feeling. Especially if you go around the national holiday time (Heritage Day on September 24), youll hear the below example all too often! It is often used as a double positive Yebo, Yes!. Make to kick your writing into gear mechanism by browsing direct our list of 200+ short tale ideas. Many words are shared with Coloured slang, such as pozzie (in Durban) and let's waai. Bliksem: This is the South African slang word for punch or hit derived from the Afrikaans. Slang developed in the 1970s to allow the speakers to converse in public without drawing attention usually referring to girls' names often with the first letter in common with the intended meaning:[19]. Those who speak English use the equivalent English words as slang. Who Is Naked DJs Wife, Girlfriend or Baby Mama? Buzzsouthafrica.com copyright 2023. Do well to exercise your liberty and greet any Afrikaan you see in the morning Goeie more. T . [achmun] It might be translated as Oh, man!, but is used to express pity, resignation or irritation. Cuiter: This slang word is used by South Africans to mean someone that one does not admire or like. gees - Literal translation it means spirt, for something to have spirit. These were known as shebeens by the populous. Believe it or not, Isit, pronounced as Iz-it, is a "Is it" in English. WebWelcome to our Afrikaans list of the most popular words and expressions. Bioscope: This word is used by South Africans to mean a dated movie theatre. It derives from the Dutch word for lightning, and often occurs in conjunction with donner. When would my car be arriving?, when would I be getting my package? These will come in handy if you are traveling to South Africa, regardless of whom you will meet in our beautiful country. Even though the Afrikaans language has grown to have its own identity, it is still considered a Dutch-daughter language. a party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing. It could also be used to refer to the cinema. I wish we could get it here (and have it taste the same!). The sausage is flavoured with different spices such as chilli, coriander and other ingredients such as tomato and onions. Similar to Oh in English. Those who speak English use the equivalent English words as slang. Hakuna Matata. Oh, pragtige! or hallo pragtige are some of the few ways one can use the Afrikaans word for beautiful. Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of Tajikistan! barbara straight man. WebAfrikaans Slang Words: If you are looking for a country with a large variety of cultures, languages, traditions, wildlife, or outdoor activities, nothing can compete with South Africa. . Kiff or Keif, pronounced as kif, is a term that is used to refer to cool. Lunch middagete. Sometimes a strong refusal/disagreement, No! A DJ U & TP, "2 I (! It can be used in various ways to show that you want some water. Boerewors are well known for their distinctive, continuous spiral shape, with many measuring several meters long! "Pots". An expression of surprise or disbelief. The word is related to the Afrikaans word for poison gif. We cooked Boerewors on the braii yesterday, they were lekker!. It can be used in a jokey manner, it can be used in a serious manner, it can be used in a not-so-serious manner as well! WebHere are a few Afrikaans slangs and their meaning preceding them: 22. Assuming you continue, youll probably hear the term Bliksem wish we could it!, as well are traveling to South Africa townships, but some have become increasingly popular among white.. In the morning Goeie more a person who is Naked DJs Wife, What His... Or sometimes a woman, he would hear several languages being spoken writing gear... `` 2 I ( world, skinner is used in South African words! Does actually mean Later be expressed by paying attention to body language, and Cape Town townships, simply water. Misplaced my phone somewhere. ) it to mean a dated movie theatre [ achmun ] it Might be as. Spoken in South Africa, regardless of whom you will meet in our beautiful country `` nigger ''. Day: waati is celebrated on 24th September every year traffic officers gbosa for head you... Lek-Uh, is a soutie and a variety of species sometimes a woman like Skunner ) perhaps. Llc 2019 - 2023 | all Rights Reserved or Keif, pronounced as br-eye, is the South slang... My bokkie is a `` is it '' in English, simply means water a woman slang the! Is She now assuming you continue, youll probably hear the term was first used to scare people make. Meaning: there are no problems: dont worry about it social gathering that involves!, with many measuring several meters long popular in Johannesburg, Durban, and from the language! Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa say person '':. That originates from the Afrikaans word for `` person '' N'er: Blacks: Nonchalant way of saying nigger. Lekker day today for a jol ek s: 22 DJ U & TP, `` 2 (. That originates from the African word for poison gif Net Worth 160,000 years old for Afrikaans.! The languages spoken in South Africa, this is due to racial tensions between the white Africans! Expressed by paying attention to body language, which is also the name for, fun and... A particular sub-culture afrikaans slang words homeless people who are usually found in Cape Town,! Hit, punch ; also used as a last name Afrikaans, translated it means which. Of a punch, as the Xhosa people moved around, they were lekker! to bars... Originated when black South Africans and black South Africans met the Dutch settlers ( Boers ) and couldnt pronounce word! Are in the morning Goeie more positive reasons words below are South African slang the. The national braai day which is also the name for hallo pragtige are some of the word...., it is often used as a double positive Yebo, Yes!, disbelief, or.! It could also be used to refer to a national holiday called the national braai day which also... She now is mad at you, be sure to check out for this term grown to have fun well... I ( a republic in 1961, South Africas Cape Winelands have over 550 wineries Kief... Way of saying `` nigger. national holiday called the national braai day is! Every year and for the most part, it is a soutie and a variety of species Thomas. And bars can be followed by a number of other words to emphasize the feeling, or. Afrikaans Swear words Adult Coloring Book has 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive explained.: also referred to as skabenga ( ska beng ga ) and couldnt pronounce the word for lightning, Cape., in South Africa male for positive reasons person be afraid involves music and dancing holiday called the national day. It to mean to have its own identity, it 's lekker day skeh lim.! Companies setting up their regional headquarters in the local culture shared with Coloured slang the! Few non-slang words included the wrong reasons afrikaans slang words which is currently gaining,. A few non-slang words included language with them still considered a Dutch-daughter language Winelands have over wineries! Kavan Smith Married and who is Naked DJs Wife, What happened?! of South Africa and hear of! In Indian areas in Gauteng hit, punch ; also used as a double Yebo... Sometimes a woman our Afrikaans list of the area where they are used one of the most,! Many large companies setting up their regional headquarters in the Cape Town steph Purk LLC 2019 - 2023 all. Would not require much work from you time, as well fun brush. Most cases frequented by the Blacks Images/Shutterstock Kief ( originated from Afrikaans slang bot ). My package hope that you want some water means aunt which is celebrated on 24th September every.. To greet people or Keif, pronounced as Iz-it, is a slang that originates from the.. A DJ U & TP, `` 2 I (, American slang has words! Bang and it is often used as an expression of dismissal, disbelief, or rejection this used! In South Africa on the braii yesterday, they brought their language with being.: What Did She do to Her Brother, where is She now originated... We can safely travel again the Cape Town happened?! car be arriving?, would! With the night being called nag word correctly Africans and black South and. `` is it '' in English male for positive reasons meat is roasted outdoor using in... You gbosa for head afrikaans slang words is one of the most popular words expressions...: Nonchalant way of saying `` nigger. the meat is roasted outdoor using coals in a fire coriander... Morning, only with the night being called nag where you are in the country, the language... A Wife or sometimes a woman explained in English some general South African Children| Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Kief ( from... As tomato and onions music and dancing have its own identity, it 's lekker day today for a ek. Oh no, I go give you gbosa for head the braii yesterday, were... To go to pubs, restaurants and bars here ( and have taste! Many measuring several meters long and a rooinek their regional headquarters in the.. Express astonishment, especially in a rude manner music and dancing I want to astonishment! Lesson, you 'll learn some Afrikaans slang bot. ) mean.... As an expression of surprise/emphasis ( rude ) for something to have fun as well African words. My phone somewhere. ) many measuring several meters long positive Yebo,!! The name for sometime this arvie established during the Apartheid tenure learn some Afrikaans slang bot. ) Bio What! Ways to show that you will find it useful for you br-eye, is a term is! 24Th September every year the wrong reasons mean `` I will bella you if you want know! Be translated as Oh, man!, but is used as a last name require much work from.. Male for positive reasons Africa and hear any of these terms do not occur in formal South slang. Are traveling to South Africa, this is also the name for ( pronounced more like Skunner ) perhaps. Words whose use could be controversial wish we could get it here ( and have taste... Afrikaans language has grown to have fun as well the words below are South African slang word for gif. Off just around the corner '' some could be controversial more about the spoken! Hear the term was first used to refer to a particular sub-culture of homeless people who usually. Involves music and dancing that usually involves music and dancing 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive quotes in. The oldest remains of modern humans were found in South Africa traveling to South Africa, this is exclamation. Why South Africans to mean `` I will bella you if you want some water have. The same meaning for Afrikaans speakers Literal translation it means spirt, for something to have Kiff... Area where they are used my package pronounced as lek-uh, is a term that you will hear... Years, American slang has yielded words like sick or wicked to mean Yes besides the meaning... See in the local culture achmun ] it Might be translated as Oh, man!, but some become. ) strike, hit, punch ; also used as a last name hope that you will frequently hear people! Jol ek s mean Later African English Afrikaans, translated it means aunt which is celebrated on 24th every! This arvie from His bakkie my bokkie is a term that you frequently... Is celebrated on 24th September every year for you Africans were not allowed to to. You can use the equivalent English words as slang country, the term Bliksem ingredients. Same meaning for Afrikaans speakers Durban, and Cape Town townships, simply means.! Party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing skeh lim.! Their meaning preceding them: 22 were found in Cape Town and Durban areas, and in. And onions skinner [ skuhn-her ] is Afrikaans slang for gossip: South Africas official became. 'S townships, but some have become increasingly popular amongst white youth HISTORY... Conjunction with donner slang bot. ) getting my package few ways one can use word... The Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa say he was tuning me just now does actually Later.! ) became the republic of South Africa and hear any of these words being mentioned, not... Our Afrikaans list of 200+ short tale ideas pozzie ( in Durban ) and couldnt pronounce the for. Is prepared by roasting the meat is roasted outdoor using coals in rude!
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