Sign up for a FREE online writing workshop here. 15 Interesting Facts About French You Need to Know! You broke my cell phone!”. As such, it should come as no surprise that terms such as braii have entered into South African slang. And for the most part, it is used in that way. Example: “I’m gatvol with that nonsense.” / “I’m gatvol that they keep losing all the time.”. So, if you’re African, instead of referring to your male friends as dudes, call them boets to promote an African slang. "doos" is not acceptable in standard language and hence is slang. For the most part, this is due to racial tensions between the white South Africans and black South Africans. Usually expressed when someone experiences a sharp pain of some sort. Many “black only” bars popped up all over South Africa… illegally of course. Southern slang is a unique twist on the English language and American vocabulary. After saying it a few times, you actually start to understand why South Africans say it. However, in a slang context, it literally means to punch or to hit. Literally, shame is an emotion felt after doing something wrong. For example, in English, we have the term “Bro” or even, “Dude”. Bergie: This South African slang is from the berg mountain. However, this is usually for questions where the answer is undoubtedly going to be “Yes”. This is pretty common in everyday, with it being most common after you hear someone has been through something bad, eg. As with most other countries, South Africa has its own slang. Example: “Hey my boet, see you at the game tonight!”. Here you’ll find the slang you need to know that you’ll hear every day, the food that you’ll see, and more slang … Depending on the region of South Africa you visit, you may hear it pronounced in different ways, ranging from bra to, bro to, bru to, boet to boetie. This is the Afrikaans equivalent to “Oh man!” and is often used at the beginning of a sentence to express pity, resignation or irritation. South African Slangs. Most commonly, you’ll hear it pronounced almost as if it’s one word. An Afrikaans word meaning limp and describing soft, fat French fries. Especially if you go around the national holiday time (Heritage Day on September 24), you’ll hear the below example all too often! South African Slang South Africa English Researching Grokking the kluge – ? A common greeting which is often used instead of “hello” and “how are you?” It combines the two phrases into a simple, “Howzit”, thereby saving time. Today we did a guess that slang challenge, and we learned a lot. To the natives, these chips were long and seemed to have a limp, as such, they referred to them as slap chips. Depending on where in the English-speaking world you live (eg. Braii is not just a noun either, it is also a verb. However, under Apartheid, black South Africans were not allowed to go to pubs, restaurants and bars. South Africa has 11 official languages. Food that you will pack and take on the road – some sandwiches, drinks, chips, fruit and biltong and you have your padkos! Example: “That new movie is lekker!” / “That bunny chow was lekker!” / “I’m lekker, bru!”. Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of Spain. South African industry has boomed since the late 1990’s, leading to many large companies setting up their regional headquarters in the country. can be used to ask if something is really true, or if someone is just being a little silly. French fries may have been developed in France/Belgium in the late 18th century, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they can’t be a part of another country’s slang! Some South Africans also use it to mean “to have fun” as well! South Africa is that other country. It is usually served with yellow rice and raisins. Maybe next time!”. As you can imagine, words from some of the languages spoken in South Africa become interchangeable. Pink Pangea Writing Workshops | Online Workshops, Amp Up Your Blog & Website: An Online Workshop, Tips for Women Travelers in the Philippines, Czech Republic Travel Tips: Tansu’s Take on Health Safety & Romance, Tips for Women Travelers in American Samoa, Tips for Women Travelers in Solomon Islands. You domkop! However, it isn’t a “Yes” that you can use to answer a question, it’s something that you’d use to show you’re excitement at something. “We had a braii yesterday and we braiied all of the meat”“I bet it was so lekker!”“Definitely!”. Boerewors are something that you’d probably cook on your braii. In recent years, American slang has yielded words like sick or wicked to mean “Yes”. Instead, shebeen actually originates in Irish slang! Though it's now a mainstream slang term, hella originated as slang in California. Usually expressed with respect. rather than as a question. As of Feb 28 21. Email us at [email protected]pinkpangea.com for information about sharing your experience and advice with the Pink Pangea community. Make sure to roll the ‘r’ when pronouncing the word. South Africans say the darndest things, but is that really a surprise when the country is home to a whopping 11 official languages? The ‘g’ is pronounced as ‘ch’ in the back of the throat (think Scottish “Loch”) and is used to describe a bug or insect. Make sure you roll the ‘r’ when pronouncing this word. South African slang word for 'cool'. This list of "Afrikanerisms" (referred to as "funagalore" - not to be confused with the created language Fanagalo which was used in the mines of South Africa (also known as RSA) to ensure workers from various language backgrounds could communicate) comprises slang words and phrases influenced by Afrikaans and other African languages. This is a derogative term meaning to hit or punch someone. Your email address will not be published. You may be thinking that you know exactly what this means. Literally, bliksem is the Afrikaans word meaning “Lightning”. In many ways, it has become the South African equivalent of “OMG!”, “If you don’t shut up, I’ll bliksem you!”. Average score for this quiz is 7 / 10. I've noticed a few fun language quizzes (Aussie lingo, rhyming slang etc.) BuzzFeed Video. “Hey, we’re going to Mkhize’s jol, were you invited?”“Melokuhle and Amogelang were caught jolling around outside, they’re suspended for a week!”. “Hey, are you going to shebeen after work today?”“No, I’ve got to go to the shops instead”. Internationally speaking, South Africans are known for having much shorter patience on average, when compared to other nationalities. Played 840 times. It is used to convey the meaning of great, delicious, nice or fun. The South African slang term is it? It’s best when the bread is soft and fresh and the curry is extra spicy. South African slang and phrases. Often used when talking about food, this term can be used as a verb, meaning to eat, or when talking about the food itself. In many ways, South Africa is just like any other western country. (10) Boet: Boet is a South African slang that literally translates to a male friend or brother. The phrase originates in Zulu and has since become widely used, even by non-Zulus. Being South African, the lingo comes naturally, but since some of you out there may not know what on Earth I'm going on about, I've prepared this handy vocab and commonly used phrase list. As such, it has a wide variety of meanings, with it mostly being used to show regret, surprise and/or disapproval. French fries may have been developed in France/Belgium in the late 18th century, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they can’t be a part of another country’s slang! 7.1 South African slang 7.2 South African Greek slang 7.3 South African Indian slang 7.4 South African Jewish slang 7.5 South African Lebanese slang 8 Special-use slang 8.1 Kasi / township slang 9 See also 10 References 11 External links List of South African slang words - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 1 … As such, if you decide to annoy them, they’ll tell you so. Many South African slang words have their origins in English, others have their origins in Afrikaans, others in Zulu, others in Xhosa, whilst a few have their origins in many other languages. Countries like Colombia are are well known for their party scenes, with much of their slang being based around it. How?!”. :) 'n All An Indian expression adopted by most South Africans, meaning "and everything." My opinion is that many of the words listed here are not slang, but rather South Africanisms. In American English, the word “Boet” can be compared with the word “dude.”. Add some salads, rolls and ‘melktert’ for dessert and you are set for a traditional South African braai. It’s hard to explain intangible interjection terms used in a local language to non-native speakers, but every South African understands where and how to use the term ‘eksê’. !”“I’m great thanks bra, how are you?”. It doesn’t take long being in South Africa before you find yourself dropping shap shap into conversation or yebo to confirm something. George Sanghvi grew up in rural India, here, he would hear several languages being spoken. © Raptor Translations Magazine. 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”. Often used in succession, these two words are used to express agreement or confirmation with someone or something. This term is usually used in reference to a male friend or companion. If you’re white, or have any near European heritage (two generations), you may be told by locals not to use it. The slang is used to refer to vagrants who stayed in the forests of Table mountain originally. You’ll hear it in almost every context, in almost every region of South Africa! Similar to ‘kiff’ or ‘kief’, jol can be used in any context to express having a good time. The slap part of it comes from the Afrikaans word meaning “limp”. Meaning ‘farmer’s sausage’, this term describes a savory sausage that was developed by the Afrikaners approximately 200 years ago. Traveler Tip – If you are uncertain about a particular expression or word, just say, ‘…’ Oke – guy, bloke. and decided to throw some more choice into the mix. Required fields are marked *. !” / “Haikona, when?! No, I am not joking. It’s just that we in the English-speaking world have the phrase too, which means the opposite! They are also well known for their distinctive tastes of coriander seeds, nutmeg and cloves. As a kid, this fascinated George into learning most of these languages. So, if a South African ever says to you “I’ll do it just now” or “I’ll be there just now,” don’t expect it to happen anytime soon. But, no, even South Africans don’t always know if “just now” refers to a few minutes, tomorrow, or never. I’ve got to pack for my indaba in Johannesburg at the weekend. a nasty breakup. Similar to beef jerky (but much tastier! He has never stopped. We’d love to know if there’s any important information you recommend adding to this list. Example: “Ag, man!” / “Ag, no man!” / “Ag, shame man!”. One of these such words is indaba. Much of a muchness – it makes no difference. Example: “Jislaaik, you gave me a fright!”. All rights reserved. Basically, it's just used to replace the word very in any given sentence. In South African slang, what we call French fries are instead called slap chips. Also known as a barbecue where steak, lamb chops and of course ‘boerewors’ is cooked on a grid over wood and flames. One of South Africa’s most popular desserts consisting of a sweet pastry crust and a creamy milk filling, topped with cinnamon powder. A basic conversational word that can be inserted at various points in any conversation, meaning “oh, wow!” or “Is that so?” It can also be used when you don’t really feel like talking and don’t want to be rude but want to seem as if you’re listening. Derived from the Zulu word ‘ibhabhalazi’, it is used to describe a bad hangover. Example: “Aikona, why did she do that? “Have you heard the latest Skinner? Southerners love colorful sayings, and we really enjoy a good simile. Some of these languages that have attributed to the slang words are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Tswana and Swazi. In Germany, lecker means “Tasty” or “Delicious” or even “Yummy”. “Let’s go to a restaurant and order some slap chips!”. It’s bitter koud outside!”. “We cooked Boerewors on the braii yesterday, they were lekker!”. It used to be used only for food, as in tasty. Naturally, it is used very often around the watercoolers and especially in South African schools! Boerewors are well known for their distinctive, continuous spiral shape, with many measuring several meters long! Howzit my china and chommies! South African slang has some of the coolest, weirdest and down right confusing slang words of any language I’ve ever seen! Why Learn Spanish? “Do you want to come to the shebeen tonight?”“Sorry, can’t. In South African slang, what we call French fries are instead called slap chips. Yes, in South African slang, the term just now does actually mean “Later”. With this, many South African slang words have entered common vernacular to describe certain aspects of “modern” business. Shebeen is one of the few South African slang words that doesn’t originate from English, Afrikaans or one of the native Bantu languages. Similar to the German “dummkopf” or Dutch “domkop”, this term literally translates to “dumb head” and is a derogatory term used to describe someone who you think is stupid. To outsiders, it is utterly bizarre, but in South Africa, it (apparently) makes complete sense! She currently holds a Master of Science in Environmental Microbiology but has chosen a life on the road – teaching English and Science to young students whilst documenting her traveling escapades on her blog: Life, Love & Travel. This is usually said when trying to express surprise or wonder. It may confuse many outsiders, but is it? You don’t want to be saying this to a local or worse, if a local says this to you – you’ve really angered them! Example: “Ag! It is derived from the isiZulu word ‘ukushonga’, meaning to roll up. A confusing phrase for non-locals meaning sometime soon – sooner than just now but quicker than right now. Dave and Rebecca and back together!”. Jol in particular is quite common, usually translated to mean “party” or more specifically a “club”. Used in reference to an older uncle or even someone who is not your uncle but in an authority position. can be used in practically every situation you are presented with. This may come as a huge surprise, but it reveals the enormous diversity of South African culture, and the complex nature of life as a South African. Often expressed as a double positive by combining it with the English “yes” in “Yebo, Yes!” or as an extremely expressive “Yeeebo!” This Zulu word is used regularly in South Africa to show agreement or approval with something or someone. Very lekker. 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. However, in spite of what I have just said, a few South Africans do you use it in some contexts to answer questions. In South Africa, you’ll say it will happen just now. However, for the most part, they’ll be happy that you’re indulging yourself in the local culture! What were your impressions? Let us know if you have any more of your own to add. In South Africa, if you were going to a conference or a large-scale meeting of some kind, or even an expo, you are going to an indaba. An originally Dutch or Afrikaans (South African) word. When you want to say that you will doing something later, or that something is happening in the near future, you don’t just say that it will happen “Later”. Lekker is the Afrikaans equivalent of German’s lecker, deriving from the Dutch word. These are usually mixed with tomato sauce and vinegar. On top of this, lekker is also used to mean “Nice” or “Cool” or even “Great”. Behold, my first try - a Saffa (South African) lingo quiz! Your email address will not be published. This means the exact same thing, it’s just a little bit more excited! It will only be just a few moments until you will do it. This term is used to describe a male in his teens or early twenties. It might be translated as “Oh, man!”, but is used to express pity, resignation or irritation. Most closely related to ‘how about that’, ‘you know…’ or ‘dude’ in English. If you're planning a trip to South Africa, it's a good idea to learn a bit of the local lingo.South Africa has 11 official languages, but the easiest place to start is with South African English.Given the country's rich linguistic heritage, South African slang borrows from a range … Before you go around using these South African slang words, I feel the need to warn you. outside of South Africa!) Example: “Oh, my gosh! The chips part comes from the British English word meaning crisps (in American English). Whilst almost unheard of outside of South Africa, Boerewors are a mainstay of any braii in South Africa and an essential part of any South African’s diet. The slap part of it comes from the Afrikaans word meaning “limp”. The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. The term is largely derived from the Afrikaans word boet, meaning “Brother”. For example, you’ll likely hear it pronounced more like izzit? For the vast majority of South Africans, Skinner is used in the same sense that it is used in Dutch/Afrikaans- to mean “gossip”. Boerewors is usually ‘braaied’ and eaten on a hot dog roll with tomato sauce and mustard. The term originates from a time where British soldiers would eat French fries in South African forts. With 11 different languages being spoken throughout South Africa, having a translation guide on hand will not only make it easier to understand what you’re hearing, but will also make mingling with the locals a lot more fun. Difficulty: Average. So in order to educate you on this simple language (sarcasm intended), here are three slang words that are commonly used by the urban youth of South Africa today. Your email address will not be published. In South Africa, Boerewors are a specific type of sausage that was originally made by the Dutch/Boer settlers of South Africa. South African slang everyone should know. This term is usually screamed out when a soccer team scores a goal. However, in South African slang, shame also has another meaning: sorry. The term originated in the Xhosa language, meaning roughly the same thing that it does today. Example: “Hayibo! “We’re going to Disneyland!”“Yebo!”“Yebo yes!”. 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! Usually said with an angry tone when telling someone to go away or get lost. It is arguably one of the most common South African slang words you’ll hear! In most of the English-speaking world, Skinner is used as a last name. For instance, the popular South African slang words are derived from the eleven official languages in the country. A term used to describe a large brown millipede. © Copyright 2009-2020 Pink Pangea, All Rights Reserved. This term is commonly used to call a friend, pal or buddy. February 29, 2016. We saw loads of antelope!” “Is it, hey!”. Black South African English, or BSAE, is spoken by individuals whose first language is an indigenous African tongue. An Afrikaans word that has multiple meanings and which can be used in various contexts to describe many things from people to food to inanimate objects. Sho my bru! Typical users include people with Afrikaans as their first language but who speak English as a second language; and people living in areas where the population speaks bo… An ancient African word used to describe common philosophical feeling of humanity and family, meaning “I am because we are”. The term originated when black South Africans met the Dutch settlers (Boers) and couldn’t pronounce the word correctly. Ha! Black South African English. Derived from the Arabic kayf, meaning enjoyment or well-being, kiff or kief is most often used to convey similar feelings of nice, cool, great. A very minute number of black South Africans will get confrontational if a white person uses them. See more videos. This is especially true for Swaziland and Namibia, where it has become an integral part of their slang too!