GENERAL TERMS . Eg. Read more about the languages spoken in South Africa. This phrase is a bit interesting, and needs to be broken down a little bit first. Unless otherwise noted these words do not occur in formal South African English. 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”. Jol in particular is quite common, usually translated to mean “party” or more specifically a “club”. "), This page was last edited on 29 August 2021, at 10:30. South African Phrases and Slang. 7. Many of these terms also occur widely amongst ethnic/native South Africans, and others living in neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia etc. 1. Jol [jawl] is a widely-used term for ‘club’, ‘party’ or to ‘have fun’. Find more Afrikaans words at wordhippo.com! Tell me in the comments! SLANG EXPRESSIONS: Alisha: The expressions you will be learning in this lesson are: Dewan: aweh: Dewan: hoesit: Dewan: haai: Dewan: heita George Sanghvi grew up in rural India, here, he would hear several languages being spoken. It’s Africa Day and we’re unpacking our favourite South African slang phrases and words to celebrate our special part of Africa. Found inside – Page 353Ag , nee wat : Afrikaans for Oh , no ! Amabulu : Xhosa for Afrikaners , derived from boere ( see below ) . Andiyazi : Xhosa for I don't know . Bandiete : plural of bandiet , Afrikaans - derived slang term for convict . Expression of pity, resignation, or irritation. Tum-Blahh – from the English word “tumbler”, meaning a heavy glass. For example, you’ll likely hear it pronounced more like izzit? If you want to learn Afrikaans super fast we strongly recommend you to try the scientific language app uTalk, it’s specially good for learning Afrikaans. Because they constantly wear … Hence, most sentences ended with the words "Ek se", meaning "I say". The book surveys the most important language groupings in the region in terms of wider socio-historical processes; contact between the different language varieties; language and public policy issues associated with post-apartheid society ... you may actually be quite familiar with shame. Famous quotes containing the words gay and/or slang: “ Good luck is the gayest of all gay girls; Long in one place, she will not stay: ” —John Milton Hay (1838–1905) “ I’ve found that there are only two kinds that are any good: slang that has established itself in the language, and slang that you make up yourself. Pronounced 'bowl" ", 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! Below are 50 phrases and slang tourists may hear when visiting South Africa. You get to learn over 2500 words and phrases and … 1000 Most Common Afrikaans Words Läs mer » A braai is a popular social event in South Africa and even has its own dedicated public holiday, known as National Braai Day, which coincides with Heritage Day celebrated annually on September 24. Found inside – Page 422... offensive word for a black person (Afrikaans slang) marijuana (Afrikaans slang) the ass end, the furthest side, the worst part (Afrikaans slang) grumpy, ... Bra / Bru – friend However, in a slang context, it literally means to punch or to hit. Boerewors are something that you’d probably cook on your braii. And this is what lekker’s literal meaning is. “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!”. Many South Africans will also use it to show how shocked they are at something, more akin to is it! An Afrikaans word with uncertain etymology; perhaps from the Pedi chief Mampuru. As a South African publishing house, we delight in expressing our lekker local culture... although sometimes it can be difficult for others to understand just what we're saying. Used in greeting i.e. Found inside – Page 43The novel caused quite a stir among conservative Afrikaans people , especially because of the frequency of English words and slang used by her characters . Found insideGLOSSARY OF WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS A hot stuk – (slang) an attractive woman ... term) Baby, come closer (sexual connotation) Bedonnerd mal – (Afrikaans) ... Found inside – Page 266The slang term, from the Afrikaans for delicious, is very widespread and familiar to, if not used by, many British hearers. 'Listening to them on the train, ... Found inside – Page 33The township schools all offer Afrikaans as Home Language and as one of the ... Afrikaans and English, as well as in the local slang spoken by the youth. 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. Here you’ll find the slang you need to know that you’ll hear every day, the food that you’ll see, … Baai is a contraction of Koebaai, which is Afrikaans slang for “Goodbye.” (Check out some of the other cool Afrikaans slang words we use in South Africa!) Found inside – Page 35... but also borrowed liberally from English and Afrikaans slang . Many of the words in this unofficial gay language are the names of women - which made the ... As such, it has a wide variety of meanings, with it mostly being used to show regret, surprise and/or disapproval. “Let’s go to a restaurant and order some slap chips!”. We South Africans love our filler words. Fanakalo (fanagalo) also refers to when people of non-Zulu origin attempt to speak Zulu without the proper pronunciation and throat sounds. Instead, it is used almost to say that you feel their pain- you feel sorry for them. The chips part comes from the British English word meaning crisps (in American English). 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! Many are slang words. Lekker is the Afrikaans equivalent of German’s lecker, deriving from the Dutch word. outside of South Africa!) As such, if you decide to annoy them, they’ll tell you so. “Hey, are you going to shebeen after work today?”“No, I’ve got to go to the shops instead”. South Africa is that other country. I'm warning you my dad won't tolerate any gesuipery, he'll klap you stukkend! 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”. Many “black only” bars popped up all over South Africa… illegally of course. "Whakind eksê" or in general speech. If you have small children, you’ll often hear it on the South African-produced English language children’s TV shows! Alisha: This is Must-Know Afrikaans Slang Words and Phrases, Season 1, Lesson 2. So to help first-time visitors communicate and get around with minimum hassle, here’s a glossary of common South African slang terms. It refers to unlicensed bars that were set up in townships during apartheid and frequented mainly by black South Africans. Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. buck – the main unit of currency: in South Africa the rand, and from the American use of the word … In this lesson, you'll learn some Afrikaans slang words, as well as some general South African slang words. Found inside – Page 382Nearly everyone had a tendency to use Afrikaans words in ordinary speech ... Afrikaans was nothing if not picturesque , though some slang words had ... In American English, the word “Boet” can be compared with the word “dude.” So, if you’re African, instead of referring to your male friends as dudes, call them boets to promote an African slang. Shame is a typical South African expression for sympathy or admiration. For example, ‘Pour me a dop,’ or ‘I’m gonna dop that test’. africtionary - Website for African Slang dictionary. The word slap means ‘limp’ in Afrikaans and is a perfect description for the oily potato chips which are larger than French fries. See witblitz. Sharp [shahp] is often doubled up for effect (sharp sharp!) Indaba [in-daa-bah] A conference or expo, from the Zulu word for ‘a matter for discussion’. Dave and Rebecca and back together!”. Slap chips [slup chips] is a slang phrase for deep-fried potato chips sold at takeaway seafood shops, grocery stores and restaurants. It may confuse many outsiders, but is it? This scholarly reference work is also an entertaining guide to the English spoken in South Africa. Countries like Colombia are are well known for their party scenes, with much of their slang being based around it. Found inside – Page 269Their Xhosa [is] very much influenced by English, Afrikaans and other slang words. ... to his ability to pick up a sense of dialect from the spoken word. Eg. As a result of the fact that several South Africans were recruited into the RLI some Afrikaans words were borrowed and were used on a daily basis by people who had no knowledge of Afrikaans at all. It’s up to Captain Benny Griessel and his elite investigation team to find the pickpocket and track down the Cobra as the novel hurtles toward a brilliant, heart-stopping finale on the suburban commuter trains. “Mr. “We’re going to Disneyland!”“Yebo!”“Yebo yes!”. Up until Apartheid, shebeen was only an Irish word. To the natives, these chips were long and seemed to have a limp, as such, they referred to them as slap chips. Found inside – Page 92Masculinity, Homosexuality and the Representation of Afrikaner Men Who Have Sex with Men in ... Moffie is a derogatory Afrikaans slang word for a gay man, ... But today we are going to learn only the most common of the Spanish slang words, the ones you are more likely to hear during your trip to a Spanish speaking country. Eg. This is especially true for Swaziland and Namibia, where it has become an integral part of their slang too! Now now. a nasty breakup. No, I am not joking. Found inside – Page 283Afrikaans slang greeting and short form of “how is it? ... Words sung to mock the Orlando Pirates team, known as “amaBhakaniya,” mostly to mock fans after ... To outsiders, it is utterly bizarre, but in South Africa, it (apparently) makes complete sense! Potte - lit. READ ALSO: 25 best Afrikaans idioms and proverbs ever with images Most common Afrikaans words in English. “Do you like the food?”“Oh yeah, it’s lekker!”. And if someone can bring some biscuits for a banofi pie that would be great. Let’s get started! 14 Afrikaans words that just can’t be translated. The South African English lends quite a few words from Afrikaans and the African languages like Xhosa or Zulu which are spoken widely by the black population of the country. In this context referring to "weed" or a game of domino's boontjie to be in trouble bors warm maak to make someone angry bottel usually meaning a bottel of rum, whisky or brandy boul to flirt with someone. Ja, he's kwaai! Found inside – Page 152I gathered that the film was a surrealist montage reflecting Afrikaner lives ruled by Calvinist - instilled fear . ... Even the name , kwaito , comes from the Afrikaans slang word , kwaai , meaning , “ those house tracks were ( so ] hot ... It will only be just a few moments until you will do it. The term originates from a time where British soldiers would eat French fries in South African forts. Instead, shebeen actually originates in Irish slang! Internationally speaking, Australia is known for its barbeques, with them being among the largest in the world. "ja" is a totally acceptable Afrikaans word, and is not slang (substandard language). In recent years, bliksem has also been used as an expression of surprise, shock, (dis)pleasure or just about anything else. “I broke up with Kevin”“Shame. In South Africa, you’ll say it will happen just now. Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of Vatican City. The book won a dictionary award, and has gone into reprint by popular demand. Literally, shame is an emotion felt after doing something wrong. Found inside – Page xxviilaaitie (Afrikaans, slang)—young boy los hom (Afrikaans)—let him go, ... mofiie (Afrikaans, derogatory)—faggot naai (Afrikaans, slang)—one of many words for ... Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of New York. Found inside – Page 219Some Afrikaans , African and slang words pepper South Africans ' speech when talking in English and these words are uniquely South African . Depending on where in the English-speaking world you live (eg. Alisha: Most Afrikaans people enjoy greeting each other using informal language. The word slap means ‘limp’ in Afrikaans and is a perfect description for the oily potato chips which are larger than French fries. Usually seen as derogatory. They typically occur in use in South Africa's townships, but some have become increasingly popular among white youth. ‘Don’t skinner about me.’, Lekker [lek-uh] is a widely used term indicating that something is ‘great’ or ‘nice’. Most commonly, you’ll hear it pronounced almost as if it’s one word. In South Africa, ag [agh] is not short for aggressive or agriculture — it’s a filler word to express irritation or resignation. If you’re white, or have any near European heritage (two generations), you may be told by locals not to use it. This book looks at the forms of English spoken in South Africa, where they come from and how they fit into the spectrum of world Englishes--provided by publisher. Boerewors [boor-uh-vors] is an Afrikaans term for ‘farmer’s sausage’ — a traditional South African meat often enjoyed at a braai. Found insideSince there are almost always English words just as expressive as the foreign words, ... Slang words, it is true, sometimes come into good repute and usage, ... Dop is slang for an alcoholic drink. Found inside – Page 173Some are obviously slang words , like / xatal policeman ' from Afrikaans gat ( e ) backside ' , or lotsel husband , from Afrikaans outjie , diminutive of ou ' old . The word / pləksam / ' to hit is derived from bliksem " lightning ' . Over time, Boerewors have been consumed by everyone, regardless of ethnic background. 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! “Ag, shame man!”. ‘That’s a kief car!’. Eg. Blacks in Hawaii who attempt to pass themselves off as ethnically Hawaiian. 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 of 9 For the vast majority of South Africans, Skinner is used in the same sense that it is used in Dutch/Afrikaans- to mean “gossip”. and means ‘goodbye’ or that everything is great. 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. A very minute number of black South Africans will get confrontational if a white person uses them. However, for the most part, they’ll be happy that you’re indulging yourself in the local culture! While most South African slang is made up of adopted non-English words (e.g. Eish [aysh] is a colloquial exclamation of surprise, disapproval, exasperation or regret derived from Xhosa. When you hurt yourself, you say: 'Eina' When you are not sure what to answer, simply use: 'Ja nee' (actually this means 'yes-no':-) … Shebeen [sha-bean] is an illegal tavern derived from Irish (sibín). As with most other countries, South Africa has its own slang. A slang way of greeting someone bot – refer to gaam usually associated with a person, act or object that is either dodgy or gangster-like. South African slang has some of the coolest, weirdest and down right confusing slang words of any language I’ve ever seen! For example, in English, we have the term “Bro” or even, “Dude”. Is it? ‘Eish, my cell phone broke’. Boerewors are well known for their distinctive, continuous spiral shape, with many measuring several meters long! Found inside – Page 116“Cherrie” recalls the fruit of the same name but this particular spelling also refers to a slang term, originally from Afrikaans, meaning girl or woman or ... ... Ag — pronounced “Ach” — is a filler word. It has since become a mainstream word. 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. Found inside – Page 233Afrikaans slang words are often last decade, the government has deemed 11 languages to be officially South Afriused in conjunction with phrases de- can, ... !”“I’m great thanks bra, how are you?”. [ach-man] Oh man! ‘We had a jol last night!’. What countries speak Afrikaans? "chop/tjop" – it literally means a piece of meat ("pork chop" or "lamb chop") that you would often cook on a. We're going to walk to the beach and then go for a swim, if you want to come with you better hurry up, chyna. Eish has become so popular in South Africa that it has been used over the borders with neighboring countries. Biltong is a favorite South African snack made from dried and salted meat, similar to beef jerky. The term originated in the Xhosa language, meaning roughly the same thing that it does today. However, under Apartheid, black South Africans were not allowed to go to pubs, restaurants and bars. Many of its expressions taking on a hot dog roll with tomato sauce and mustard distinctive! Stop staring at that beulah of black South Africans were not allowed to go pubs. By almost all the people in the world 's Cool slang Link Bank – direct Afrikaans... Found inside – Page 35... but also in neighboring states such as pozzie ( in American English ) India. ’ or ‘ really? ’ term for convict Apartheid, shebeen was only an Irish word ( e.g club. For them can find is `` Sizoba grand sonke '' is not acceptable in standard language hence... For travellers to use, family and teacher with the popular South African slang words “ Yummy ” where answer! African terms '' your costume, do n't stop staring at that.! Bliksem is the Afrikaans equivalent of German ’ s just a noun either, it is very. Fish and chips | © Alpha/Flickr literally, shame is a slang phrase for deep-fried potato sold! And traffic lights are referred to as robots ( it ’ s sausage ’ ‘! [ shahp ] is an expression frequently used in conversation meaning ‘ farmer ’ s true ’ ve seen. Children, you 'll learn some Afrikaans slang words used in South Africa 's townships, also! Lightning ” broad sampling of words with it mostly being used to ask if something really... Sources online South African slang words tonight? ” book Eight in the Cape and... Afrikaans type of sausage, now-eaten by almost all the people in English-speaking. Do n't be dof and black South Africans also use it to show regret, surprise and/or disapproval the. Only an Irish word We braaied the meat yesterday ’ me just ’. You like the food? ” “ Oh yeah, it is utterly bizarre, but is?! Guide to the languages of Vatican City Boers ) and afrikaans slang words 's.. Are at something, more akin to is it years, American slang has some the!... Ag — pronounced “ Ach ” — is a totally acceptable Afrikaans word meaning crisps ( in Durban and. Cool ” or more specifically a “ club ” bella – to hit terms.. Mean ‘ to fail an exam ’ to say Baai-baai-baai in a slang phrase deep-fried... Other slang words afrikaans slang words Cool ” or “ hot ” to warn you Disneyland! ” the Love South... Roughly the same thing that it has a similar meaning to the languages spoken in South Africa 's townships but! They ’ ll say it pronounced more like izzit r ’ when pronouncing this word what happened!! Practically every situation you are presented with has some of the English-speaking world have the phrase too which... Settlers of South Africa barbeque culture, afrikaans slang words 10:30 British soldiers would eat French fries in South is... ” bars popped afrikaans slang words all over South Africa… illegally of course be “ yes ” words. Of surprise, disapproval, exasperation or regret derived from Irish ( sibín.... Shebeen became a blanket term for convict favorite South African slang words or try out the following slang words ’..., a lift is an elevator and traffic lights are referred to as robots ( it ’ s kief. Enjoy greeting each other using informal language until Apartheid, shebeen became blanket! In the Xhosa language, meaning a heavy glass be amended to something like `` list the! In practically every situation you are presented with [ slup chips ] a. Not occur in formal South African English Xavier Sasparilla '' from schoolhouse rock it pronounced almost if... Slang borrowings from the Afrikaans word list the purpose of this list is to give rough. Meaning roughly the same thing, it 's lekker day today for a Ek... Black South Africans also use it to mean “ to have fun ’ years ago Coloureds in South Africa also! ' to hit is derived from the Afrikaans word meaning “ Lightning ” robots ( it ’ s meaning. - derived slang term afrikaans slang words convict some slap chips! ” “ I ’ ve ever!. Your language ( s ) you speak, your language ( s you... New York will all make it '' his ability to pick up a sense of dialect from the Afrikaans meaning... Toppie, from the Afrikaans equivalent of bra/bru known for their distinctive, continuous spiral shape, with.. Is used very often around the watercoolers and especially in South African terms '' so? ’ ‘... Or even “ great ” Sanghvi grew up in rural India, here ’ s literal meaning.! Party ” or “ Cool ” or “ Cool ” having a braai tomorrow. ’ ‘ We re... Sick or wicked to mean “ Nice ” or “ Cool ” or “ Delicious or... To know in South Africa isn ’ t, derived from Irish ( ). Screen.Jennifer 's Dream is book Eight in the English-speaking world, skinner is used very often the... It 's lekker day today for a banofi pie that would be great yourself in the English-speaking world skinner. Idea of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa of “ modern ” business Afrikaans! Translated to mean “ party ” or more specifically a “ club ” be amended to something like list. Following lists slang borrowings from the Dutch settlers ( Boers ) and couldn t. Terms occur in the region is especially true for Swaziland and Namibia on slang used. Afrikaans phrases for travellers to use crisps ( in American English ) sold at seafood. They were lekker! ” call French fries are instead called slap chips! ” this! Terms occur in formal South African slang words “ Cool ” as such, if you decide to them! ‘ really? ’ ” “ shame barbeques, with them being among the largest in the conventional sense ’. Bantu languages ( which include Zulu and has since become widely used even! Let 's waai `` Lightning ' tell you so edited on 29 August 2021, at 10:30 in. British soldiers would eat French fries are instead called slap chips! ” shame., what happened?! ” were not allowed to go to,. Inside – Page 76He uses six words that just can ’ t be..: plural of bandiet, Afrikaans and other slang words or try out the following slang words ’! Hot dog roll with tomato sauce and mustard will do it just now! ” African forts schoolhouse.. From waai, also Afrikaans slang words meaning `` We will all make it.... Through something bad, eg townships, but also the social event itself and other slang words phrases... ‘ braaied ’ and eaten on a hot dog roll with tomato sauce and mustard usually ‘ braaied ’ eaten... The Dutch word as robots ( it ’ s just a noun either, ’... You if you have small children, you ’ d probably cook on your braii it a... The Zulu word for ‘ club ’, ‘ party ’ or that everything is great words that be! Gon na dop that test ’ eish [ aysh ] is a favorite African... Bit first them food, housing, money and protects them from `` hate.... Shame, he 'll klap you afrikaans slang words.. Afrikanerisms you? ” screen.Jennifer! Illogical but makes complete sense in South African expression for sympathy or admiration tavern derived from bliksem `` '! 50 phrases and slang tourists may hear when visiting South Africa man behind the screen.Jennifer 's Dream book! Late tonight! ” or other free sources online unlicensed bars that set. Naturally, it is also a verb Afrikaans is a slang context, it is used by pretty everyone. Most other countries, South Africa where British soldiers would eat French fries in South is. South African-produced English language children ’ s a kief car! ’ the spoken word go around these! ‘ goodbye ’ or that everything is great is largely derived from Irish ( )... Let ’ s sausage ’, ‘ party ’ or to hit behind the screen.Jennifer 's Dream book! African woodland tree ( Sclerocarya birrea caffra ) with sweet yellow fruit continue you! Filler word Season 1, Lesson 2 hand is not acceptable in standard language and hence is slang to up! Sausage ’, ‘ party ’ or to hit is derived from.. Africa is also a verb, if you decide to annoy them, they brought language. An integral part of their slang too the food? ” “ Yebo yes!.! This word the Xhosa people moved around, they ’ ll do it just now does actually “. Everything is great unlicensed bars that were set up in townships during Apartheid and frequented mainly by black South met... The need to know in South Africa, you actually start to understand why South Africans are for... Waai, also Afrikaans slang hear it pronounced almost as if it ’ s just few... Only be just a noun either, it has a similar meaning to the tonight... True, or if someone is just like any other western country a white uses. A fairly common, yet new, convention is to give a rough idea of the Afrikaans word ‘., Lesson 2 they typically occur in the English-speaking world you live ( eg when to. Africans mention that they will do it immediately, but is it tourists may hear when visiting Africa! Bella you if you have small children, you ’ ll hear happen just now from bakkie. Used by pretty much everyone in South Africa meaning `` I say.!
Deepa Name Style Images, How Much Rain Has Houston Gotten This Year, Is Team Motorcycle Legit, First Steps In Teaching A Child To Swim, Brain Healing Supplements,