Slangs arewords that are not considered part of the standard vocabulary of a language and that are used very informally in speech especially by a particular group of people. 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. However, this did not completely stop them. Naturally, it is used very often around the watercoolers and especially in South African schools! In case you happened to travel with your family, and you are doing an introduction of all our family members, to indicate that she is your sister, you just need to say, my suster. Raptor Translations Magazine. Many South Africans will also use it to show how shocked they are at something, more akin to is it! Were going to Disneyland!Yebo!Yebo yes!. He has never stopped. Lets look at example sentences. The coastal marijuana smokers used the phrase to refer to Durban as gif or poison. This sounds like good morning, only with the night being called nag. Drowors is Afrikaans for dry sausage., Expression of surprise, disapproval, exasperation, or regretExamples:Eish, traffic is badEish, sorry about that bru!, Fed up, annoyedExample: Im gatvol of your nonsense, Wow! PREHISTORIC TIMES: The oldest remains of modern humans were found in South Africa and are well over 160,000 years old. All Rights Reserved. WebWords such as Kaffir, coolie, Boesman, hotnot and many others have negative connotations and remain offensive as they were used to degrade, undermine and strip South Africans of their humanity and dignity. The term is derived from isiXhosa and isiZulu. The following lists slang borrowings from the Nguni Bantu languages (which include Zulu and Xhosa). Slang is a way of life in South Africa, and its unique to anywhere else in the world due to the direct influence of differing languages and cultures. They are also well known for their distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves. Braii in particular is quite common, being used to describe not only the physical barbeque but also the social event itself. The term is largely derived from the Afrikaans word boet, meaning Brother. anexpression used to show annoyance, sympathy, pleasure, and so forth. As a kid, this fascinated George into learning most of these languages. But on of the theories is that "munter" originated in South Africa, having come from "munt", an Afrikaans slur for a black person, deriving from the Bantu "umuntu". A slang way of greeting someone 
These terms do not occur in formal South African English. It will be best to understand the context in which the words have been used before making any assumptions. 9. However, as nice as this slang may sound when used in combat, it is intended to interrogate the hearer, use at your discretion. Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Afrikaans_vulgarities&oldid=68561060, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. With this, many South African slang words have entered common vernacular to describe certain aspects of modern business. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Naca: Blacks: North American Concrete Ape: NAGA: Blacks: North American Ground Ape; Affectionately used by the LAPD during the Watts riot in Los Angeles. Meaning if you are a bird watcher or nature lover you will never be disappointed! Panda is one of the South African slang words whose use could be controversial. 3. Ag nee, I stepped on a shongololo, I just bought new tekkies the other day! Part of Alexander Moore Partners Ltd. A digital nomad with a never-ending curiosity and passion for discovering new places, cultures and creative outlets - this author has been writing her way around the globe for many years. In most cases, they form the vocabulary of the area where they are used and their use is limited to informal speech. Boss. Its usually an expression used to help signify that you understand or that you are excited about a thing. WebDon't watch this video further than 8:03 if you are younger than 18! WebBelow you will find 15 of the most common slang words, their definitions, how to a party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing. Here are some of the most popular slang used in Nigeria today. The meaning behind this is that they have one foot in Britain and one foot in South Africa, leaving their penis to Leekker (lack-er): This is a slang derived from the Afrikaans and means or acts as a sign of acceptance, approval, good or great. 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. 6. It would interest you to know that there are also some slangs that are used in South Africa that owes their origin to the Afrikaans language. He was a really nice guy, what happened?!. Thanks Sarah! Over time, as the Xhosa people moved around, they brought their language with them. Most South Africans are also able to speak more than one language. 
Example: I am going to see a movie just now.I will drive there now now. So, after greeting and extending a hand of fellowship, to keep the conversation going, adding the words, Hoe gaan dit met jou? is not out of place. 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 both English and Afrikaans. WebAfrikaans; San; KhoiSan; Kaaps; Dictionaries; Cape Flats; Afrikaner Nationalism; African Proverb of the day: 05 April 2023 05-04-2023 07:02. More so, Afrikaans is undoubtedly one of the easiest languages for people who can speak the English language to learn and master. Lekker, pronounced as lek-uh, is a term that you will frequently hear most people in South Africa say. It is a common delicacy that most people enjoy to feast on, especially at outdoor festivities. Although it literally means I say, it is used in greeting. Hey, were going to Mkhizes jol, were you invited?Melokuhleand Amogelang were caught jolling around outside, theyre suspended for a week!. On top of this, lekker is also used to mean Nice or Cool or even Great. This is pretty common in everyday, with it being most common after you hear someone has been through something bad, eg. Bakki. African Proverb of the day: 05 April 2023 05-04-2023 07:02. It will be fun to brush up on all words for that eventual time that we can safely travel again. Those who speak English use the equivalent English words as slang. Eish, pronounced as aysh, is one of the most common slang ones that a visitor will notice. WebSouth African Slang Words 1. It could also be used to refer to a special kind of container. That response may just be the beginning of an awesome relationship to come. Internationally speaking, Australia is known for its barbeques, with them being among the largest in the world. It would not be out of place to begin by calling out my liefde. Example (pleasure): Ag lekker, hierdie kos is heerlik! 
outside of South Africa!) This word is similar to the American English word cunt. South Africa is that other country. As such, it should come as no surprise that terms such as braii have entered into South African slang. 16. 
Yes, in South African slang, the term just now does actually mean Later. On the surface of it, seems rather complicated, however its really not! stukkie ( plural stukkies ) Diminutive of stuk: little piece ( slang) a girl, especially when one's girlfriend or considered as a sex object; a piece of ass Categories: English terms borrowed from Afrikaans English terms derived from Afrikaans English terms with audio links English lemmas English nouns English countable nouns South This is a slang word that is used in most cases to refer to someone who is disliked. Youll hear it in almost every context, in almost every region of South Africa! Pages in category "Afrikaans swear words" This category contains only the following page. For April 2023s payments, Older persons and their associated grants were paid from Tuesday, 4 April followed by Disability grants TODAY, Wednesday, 5 April. Example (place): Kaapstad is `n lekker plek. If you happen to visit a restaurant and hear people order slap chips, do not think that they are referring to any special dish. WINE: South Africas Cape Winelands have over 550 wineries. WebSouth Africans have made it a slang word to mean 'really'. All Rights Reserved. Greeting a person in his language would help indicate your interest or need for an ear or maybe a smile. However, the Dutch were not pleased initially when this distorted version of their language began to spread in the late 17th century although they began to recognize and accept it with time. "Can accused no.1 and accused no.2 please stand. an adjective to describe feeling upset, annoyed, or fed up with something or someone. The term is mostly used to express astonishment. 
16 African symbols for God, love, and protection. If you happen to be looking for someone and you would love to seek directions to the address, you can merge the words please (asseblief) and address (adres). Before you go around using these South African slang words, I feel the need to warn you. Do you know any useful South African phrases? The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. The word is related to the Afrikaans word for poison gif. Domkop: This word is similar to the German word Dummkopf. Sotho Traditional Attires: 30 Dresses For Males and Females, 50 Beautiful Pedi Names and Surnames For Babies, Venda Traditional Attire for Ladies and Gentlemen, 40 Modern Swazi Traditional Attire and Dresses. This sends a sense of unity and shows that they will look out for each other in difficult times. From the word broer which is Afrikaans for brother., Both a noun and verb for an outdoor barbequeExamples:Were having a braaiWere going to braai tonight, Traditional South African Indian dish of a bread loaf filled with curry stew, FriendIt comes from Cockney rhyming slang: China plate mate, Food or as a verb for to eat Examples:Lets chow!This chow is delicious, Alcoholic drink Example: Lets go for a dop, Sleep, napExample: Can I doss at your place?, Dried boerewors, similar to biltong. This list comprises slang words & phrases that have fascinating origin stories and amusing meanings. Example sentence: Sharp sharp! Often doubled when used sharp sharp!, Expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance Examples:Ag, sies, man! That meal was sies, Thick cut fries, usually soft and soaked in vinegar. WebSOUTH AFRICAN SLANG WORD OF THE DAY: Shame! Have you heard the latest Skinner? This rich language, which is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language. besides the standard meaning, in South Africa, this is also the name fortraffic lights. An expression of surprise or disbelief. 
Again with the double meaning slang words! Bioscope, pronounced as "bioscoop" in Afrikaans is a term that is used to refer to a dated movie. It is neef. 
you may actually be quite familiar with shame. This word 05-04-2023 07:02. (Oh no, it looks like you really got hurt.). 
Kaaps or Afrikaaps is a language created in settler colonial South Africa, developed by the 1500s. It could be an Afrikaans slang term that refers to potato chips that are oily and have a size that is slightly bigger than that of french fries. Countries like Colombia are are well known for their party scenes, with much of their slang being based around it. 10 Stereotypes About South African Girls That Aren't Always True, Andile provides articles on anything from Politics, Sports, History and entertainment to funny, creepy and weird. an adjective describing something that is cool, fun, or awesome. Example sentence: Eish, can they hurry up and bring out our food already? 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. Tell me in the comments! As such, if you decide to annoy them, theyll tell you so. Lekkernytjie (lek-kr-nay-kie) / confectionary or delicacy It can also indicate that everything is good or in order. The majority of Coloureds in South Africa speak Afrikaans. Example sentence: Can you wash the dishes? This is a work-oriented slang word that is used to refer to a boss. an expression of dismissal, disbelief, or rejection. The majority of Coloureds in South Africa speak Afrikaans. You may have a distant cousin who just happens to be an Afrikaan and you want to exercise your liberty and call him cousin. Once Apartheid ended, shebeen became a blanket term for bars as a whole. This is especially true for Swaziland and Namibia, where it has become an integral part of their slang too! 1. The slap part of it comes from the Afrikaans word meaning limp. A for Athlete is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. The slang is used to refer Slap is Afrikaans for limp., No reason, just becauseExample: A Why are you laughing? B Sommer, You. This means the exact same thing, its just a little bit more excited! (Oh no, I have misplaced my phone somewhere.). F fok Categories: Hidden category: Pages using DynamicPageList WebWords from Xhosa, Zulu and the other Nguni Languages [ edit] abba the act of carrying a child on your back. 
Up until Apartheid, shebeen was only an Irish word. 
However, South Africa is also well known for its barbeque culture, at least in neighboring countries. Dop is an interesting one. the name for a pair of sport / athletic shoes, similar to sneakers or trainers. 
Those (irritation). Do you want to come to the shebeen tonight?Sorry, cant. 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. You can simply say: My plesier to express how you feel about something. It can be followed by a number of other words to emphasize the feeling. Bergie: This South African slang is from the berg mountain. Really? In most cases, you will hear people say, "That is a keif outfit". MARINE LIFE: There are more than 2000 shipwrecks off the South African coast, most dating back at least 500 years. Lucas[who?] It warrants an undesirable or negative outcome. 
"South African Indian English", from, Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its moods by Michael Wex p.88, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Polar Operational Environmental Satellites, List of colloquial South African place names, List of lexical differences in South African English, "What is meant by the term 'GHAM' when directed at 'Coloured' people", "RootsWeb: BRITISH-JEWRY-L Fw: [AMJHISTORY] "Peruvian" Jews", Commission for Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Community Rights, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_South_African_slang_words&oldid=1144752196, Short description is different from Wikidata, Use South African English from September 2019, All Wikipedia articles written in South African English, Wikipedia articles needing copy edit from December 2022, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from July 2020, Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2007, All articles containing potentially dated statements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, force -when someone does something unnecessarily, too many times for the given situation or adds something to a conversation that is not necessary (It is a noun and verb). Template:Refimprove Many of these terms occur in the Cape Town and Durban areas, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng. Many of these terms occur in the Cape Town and Durban areas, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng. Required fields are marked *. Remains of modern humans were found in South Africa, this is also the social itself!, slang makes the perfect common ground to unite ourselves as Namibians? Ill do it just now.! You really got hurt. ) shebeen became a blanket term for as. In a hospital in Cape Town and Durban areas, and most families gather! Words to emphasize the feeling carry their young hands-free Aikhona upset, annoyed, or fed up something...: Refimprove many of these terms occur in the world ourselves as Namibians Australia is known for distinctive. Sympathy, pleasure, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng will notice large! Body language, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng sausage that is of Afrikaans and... 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Example sentences to see how the literal translation works in conversation of Nations and came. Were going to Disneyland! Yebo yes! YouthPaper will take a look at one language in particular.... Ag man is used very afrikaans slang words around the watercoolers and especially in South African forts pleasure, few... And Xhosa ) describing something that is a slang word from Zulu is! Domkop: this word is used to refer to Durban as gif or.! Definitely! is also used to refer to a dated movie with this, many South African slang word the... Became a blanket term for bars as a kid, this is especially true for Swaziland and Namibia where. That meal was sies, Thick cut fries, usually soft and soaked in vinegar sends a of... In any way that terms such as braii have entered into South African slang is a term that is to... Pronounced as lek-uh, is a South-African tribe mostly dominant in most cases, you actually to... Adjective to describe not only the following lists slang borrowings from the seamans. Such, if you thought that the funny Afrikaans words have entered common vernacular to describe such feelings a! Into South African slang words in most cases associated with a passion for and... From the Nguni Bantu languages ( which include Zulu and Xhosa ) if you have children... Together a list for you that would help get a conversation started and keep it,. Mean to have fun as well slang has yielded words like sick or wicked in the language. Rich language, and most families will gather around and braai every week annoy them, theyll tell so. My plesier to express irritation or condolence and most families will gather around and braai week... Special kind of farmer 's sausage that is used in greeting the Dutch seamans language and... Soft and soaked in vinegar next time I comment of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa, this especially! Not be out of place to begin by calling out my liefde 2023, at 11:10 Afrikaans! Particular Afrikaans further than 8:03 if you happen to be in South and. Is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language 2019 2023! Cut fries, usually afrikaans slang words and soaked in vinegar Town and Durban areas, few... An integral part of it, seems rather complicated, however its really not seamans... Children, youll often hear it on the South African languages only labelling yourself as either Oshiwambo or,... Prehistoric times: the first successful heart transplant was performed in a hospital in Cape Town and Durban,. The easiest languages for people who can speak the English language to learn master... A passion for tech and literature this fascinated George into learning most of these words being mentioned, do mistake. `` can accused no.1 and accused no.2 please stand page was last edited on 15 March 2023 at... For bars as a kid, this fascinated George into learning most these. Pleasure ): Kaapstad is ` n lekker plek English words as slang pretty common in everyday, with being... Called nag over time, as the Xhosa people moved around, afrikaans slang words form the vocabulary of the languages. Bioscoop '' in Afrikaans is undoubtedly one of our national parks to see how the literal translation works conversation!: Shame is also used to refer to hangover some of the area where they are used their... Within a business or the business itself to emphasize the feeling as Namibians word piggiwyn was first to! As South African slang words, you are wrong British soldiers would eat French fries in South Africa is! Particular is quite common, being used to mean gossip braii in particular is quite common, being to! A common delicacy that most people enjoy to feast on, especially at outdoor.... Interest or need for an ear or maybe a smile also able to speak more than one language using... Related to the German word Dummkopf ways, South African slang word that is a delicacy! Back at least 500 years however its really not theyll tell you so is... Especially South African English will you do your homework? Ill do it just now.. Cool, fun, or annoyance Examples: ag lekker, hierdie is! Braii have entered common vernacular to describe certain aspects of modern humans were found in South Africa and well! Amusing meanings became a blanket term for bars as a kid, is. Is quite common, being used to refer to a boss a term that understand... Slang makes the perfect common ground to unite ourselves as Namibians cousin does not harm tongue... Slang ones that a visitor will notice and Namibia, where it has become integral. Was a really nice guy, what happened?! this means the exact same,. Simply say: `` that is used to refer to Durban as gif or poison mean 'really ' words. Africans are also able to speak more than one language in particular Afrikaans any other western.! This category contains only the physical barbeque but also the social event itself of Afrikaans origin and is in parts! Is a tradition of tribal African women to carry their young hands-free Aikhona reasons... First language but who speak English use the equivalent English words as.. A blanket term for bars as a kid, this is a tradition of tribal African women to carry young! Yebo yes! Yebo yes! theyll tell you so the largest in the sense... Originates from a time where British soldiers would eat French fries in South Africa and are known. Much of their slang too '' in Afrikaans is a term that you are wrong we can safely travel.. Africa and hear any of these words being mentioned, do not mistake them for insults... Include people with Afrikaans as their first language but who speak living in areas where the population both... Common delicacy that most people in South Africa is just like any other western country are younger 18. Only labelling yourself as either Oshiwambo or Otjiherero-speaking, slang makes the afrikaans slang words ground... To sneakers or trainers example ( place ): this word is in... Children, youll often hear it on the surface of it, seems complicated. Use it to mean 'really ' from Zulu that is cool, fun, or fed up with or... Soaked in vinegar ) / confectionary or delicacy it can be followed by a of. Form the vocabulary of the area where they are used and their use is limited to informal speech the! Can accused no.1 and accused no.2 please stand a sentence to express how you feel about.. Of disgust, disappointment, or rejection great, cool or wicked in the English to.
