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Oct 9, 2024 · Thanks to the variety of languages spoken in South Africa, locals tend to borrow words from each language, resulting in slang words or phrases known as ‘South Africanisms’. If you’re visiting South Africa any time soon, it’s useful to know a few turns of phrase to help you along the way.
- Ag man! [ach-man] Oh man! Expression of pity, resignation, or irritation. Examples: “Ag man, I’ve got to work late tonight!” “Ag, shame man!”
- Aweh/Awe [ah-weh] Hello, greeting between close friends/mates. Example: “Awe, my bru!”
- Babbelas/Babelaas [buh-ba-las] Hangover. Example: “I was out last night and now I’ve got such a babbelas”
- Baie [bye-ya] A lot, very much. Example: “It was baie lekker”
- “Eish!”
- “Ach Man!”
- “Ach, Shame.”
- “Let’s Chow.”
- “Bliksem”
- “Kak!”
- “Braai”
- “Klap”
- “Boet”
- “Domkop”
American Version:“Jeez!” This word originates from the Xhosa people in South Africa. The word is used across pretty much all of South Africa as well as in a few neighboring countries. It’s a unique word because it doesn’t just express surprise—it can also show excitement, disbelief or anger. “Eish! You startled me there.”
American Version:“Oh man!” This filler wordis often used to express frustration, but it can also be used in pretty much any situation at the beginning of a sentence. “Ach man, I have such a hangover from last night.”
American Version:“What a shame.” South Africans use this phrase for pretty much any situation, such as giving thanks, shouting praise or mourning. It’s definitely the most used filler word in South Africa, and a versatile one as well. George: “I got engaged last night.” Amber: “Ach, shame!”
American Version: “Let’s eat.” Since it’s also used in some other countries, this one’s pretty self-explanatory. “Chow” means “eat.” “I’m starving, let’s chow.”
American Version:“To punch” This word is derived from the Dutch word for lightning strikes. Note that it’s a rude word and you wouldn’t want to use it in polite company. “You jerk! I’ll bliksem you!”
American Version:“Crap!” South Africans love their filler words. This one can be used in any situation where you would exclaim “Crap!” in American English. However, it’s a bit ruder than that and can even be considered a curse word. Don’t use this if you want to make a professional impression! “Kak! I’m late for class!”
American Version:“Barbecue” A traditional South African “braai” consists of roasting lamb chops, boerewors (savory sausage) and steak. Salads, rolls and melktert(milk tarts) are typically served as well. “Come down to the braai, we’ve got boerewors cooking.”
American Version:“Slap” This one is confusing, since it sounds like the English word “clap.” But it’s actually referring to a “slap,” or hitting someone or something with the palm of your hand. “I ought to klap you for saying that nonsense!”
American Version:“Bro” or “brother” This word can be used to refer to an actual brother or a dear male best friend. It’s an affectionate term of endearment. “He’s my boet, I can’t imagine life without him.”
American Version:“Idiot” This Afrikaans word came into the language through Dutch, a Germanic language, where it literally means “dumb head.” The Germanic linguistic influence in certain parts of South Africa and neighboring Namibia has less than savory origins. “He’s a real domkop, that one.”
Aug 23, 2024 · South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. This diversity has given rise to a unique blend of slang words and phrases that you won't hear anywhere else. Whether you're planning a trip to South Africa or just curious about its vibrant culture, learning some South African slang can be both fun and useful. Imagine ...
May 12, 2024 · Dop - Drink (alcoholic), also means to fail. Origin: Afrikaans for a cap or top. Eina - Ouch. Origin: Afrikaans. Gogga - Bug or insect. Origin: From Khoekhoe. One of the most challenging South African slang words for foreigners to pronounce might be "Gqeberha," which is the new name for the city formerly known as Port Elizabeth.
The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. bint – a girl, from Arabic بِنْت. Usually seen as derogatory. buck – the main unit of currency: in South Africa the rand, and from the American use of the word for the dollar.
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Feb 29, 2016 · Boerewors — spicy South African sausage. Meaning ‘farmer’s sausage’, this term describes a savory sausage that was developed by the Afrikaners approximately 200 years ago. Boerewors is usually ‘ braaied’ and eaten on a hot dog roll with tomato sauce and mustard. Make sure you roll the ‘r’ when pronouncing this word.
