Similar to Oh in English. e.g. gatvol - fed up, had enough. Some of the words that popped up on the thread was murg pampoentjie (baby marrow or directly translated as marrow pumpkin) and 7. List of South African slang words. Bioscope: This word is used by South Africans to mean a dated movie theatre. Raptor Translations Magazine. africtionary - Website for African Slang dictionary. Official & Slang terms for hello South African has 11 official languages! Lekker, pronounced as lek-uh, is a term that you will frequently hear most people in South Africa say. A very minute number of black South Africans will get confrontational if a white person uses them. You can simply say: My plesier to express how you feel about something. Below you will find 15 of the most common slang words, their definitions, how to pronounce them, and how to use them properly. We have a huge diversity of marine ecosystems and a variety of species. stomach = maag (human), pens (animal) foot = voet (human), poot (animal) mouth = mond (human), bek (animal) drink = drink (human), suip (animal) Here you will find Route 62, the longest wine route in the world. WebSouth African slang everyone should know Ag, man! However, when it comes to South African greetings, you don't have much to worry about. Assuming you continue, youll probably hear the term Bliksem. However, in South African slang, shame also has another meaning: sorry. The full name of the sausage is boerewors. Arvie: Afternoon, e.g., Well pop round for tea sometime this arvie. It can be followed by a number of other words to emphasize the feeling. Buzzsouthafrica.com copyright 2023. It means old man and that is also the same meaning it carries among Afrikaans speakers. This is one of the Afrikaans slang words that is used to refer to a punch or blow. Some of these languages that have attributed to the slang words are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Tswana and Swazi. Bergie is a slang word that refers to the Berg mountain. It may confuse many outsiders, but is it? So fun to recall hearing these and remembering certain people we met along the way! Bergie:This South African slang is from the berg mountain. In South Africa, youll say it will happen just now. Web(Originated from Afrikaans slang bot.) ), , ". Quagga is pronounced as Kwa-gh-uh is another South African slang word. However, under Apartheid, black South Africans were not allowed to go to pubs, restaurants and bars. Just replace the f in the spelling of friend with a v and you are good to go. Clear Duidelik This is used to depict clarity on a thing or excitement. WebThis Afrikaans Swear Words Adult Coloring Book has 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English. 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. 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. Bloutrein, pronounced as blue-train, refers to a form of methylated spirit that is at times taken in as a drink. 19. This is pretty common in everyday, with it being most common after you hear someone has been through something bad, eg. Origin: Swahili phrase. 8. In most cases, they are sold in restaurants and most seafood joints. The term is mostly used to express astonishment. 5. in South Africa meaning "we will all make it". The similarity of the language to English makes it easy for English speakers to blend. B Babelas bubba-luss: Hangover, often the consequence of a really good braai. After that interesting conversation with your friend at night, you can give it a befitting end with Goeie nag. Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of Kyrgyzstan. 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. It is currently being used to refer to white males for the wrong reasons. used to describe a person who is suffering from a hangover. This image shows Afrikaans slang words. a nasty breakup. Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of Turkmenistan! 3, by Hay Mills (1993), It is a mass language only in the same sense that its baseball slang is born of baseball players. It is one of the most commonly used Afrikaans curse slang words. MEDICAL HISTORY: The first successful heart transplant was performed in a hospital in Cape Town by Dr. Christiaan Barnard on 3 December 1967. 1. On the surface of it, seems rather complicated, however its really not! If you happen to visit a restaurant and hear people order slap chips, do not think that they are referring to any special dish. Someone with whom you have committed a crime and appear in court alongside. 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. Who Is Latarian Milton, What Happened to Him and Where is He Now? If you want to know that a South African is mad at you, be sure to check out for this term. Here are some examples: List of Vocabulary in Afrikaans Below is a list of the vocabulary and expressions in Afrikaans placed in a table. The term was first used to refer to a white male for positive reasons. an adjective to describe feeling upset, annoyed, or fed up with something or someone. It is a common delicacy that most people enjoy to feast on, especially at outdoor festivities. \bluhk-suhm\) strike, hit, punch; also used as an expression of surprise/emphasis (rude). You may also like: America's most hated slang words, explained. Example: Ek het my kop gestamp teen die muur, eina! As a kid, this fascinated George into learning most of these languages. It is often used as a double positive Yebo, Yes!. This is often seen as more aggressive than the previously mentioned phrase "voetsek". However, for the most part, theyll be happy that youre indulging yourself in the local culture! 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. Bra / Bru Bro / Dude. Coffee koffie. Now the word is used to refer to a particular sub-culture of homeless people who are usually found in Cape Town. This Afrikaans slang is mostly heard in the first form, but the second form is also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal. #20. buck the main unit of currency: in South Africa the rand, and from the American use of the word for the dollar. The word hallo could be used as an icebreaker, and get you set on the path of a good discussion. That is, it is a language which is being molded by writers to do delicate things and yet be within the grasp of superficially educated people. The name boerewors translates directly to farmers sausage. ( daai bra het nou groot gees gevang) gesuip - very drunk, intoxicated, plastered. 2. Boerewors are well known for their distinctive, continuous spiral shape, with many measuring several meters long! Loved re-visiting the language. Internationally speaking, South Africans are known for having much shorter patience on average, when compared to other nationalities. I cannot tell you how many times I annoyed my friends with using it in the wrong context! Similar to Oh in English. For surfers, we have world-class waves. "), This page was last edited on 5 January 2023, at 08:11. I just took it to mean literally anything. Who Is Dineo Moloisane the Businesswoman and Socialite? 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. 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. "J ' ." If the word If you ever get to a restaurant, slap tjips is the ideal meal to order. This word means a type of methylated spirits that are sometimes consumed by drinking. Well at least he's duidelik. The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. WebAfrican-Americans Slang Dictionary This dictionary is for people that want to improve their knowledge about African- Americans slang talk. It can also indicate that everything is good or in order. Men love to call other men whom they have grown fond of, brother. Beth Thomas Child of Rage Bio: What Did She Do To Her Brother, Where Is She Now? In this blog post, we will look at one language in particular Afrikaans. 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. Picking up stompies. Many words are shared with Coloured slang, such as pozzie (in Durban) and let's waai. T 1990. "Pots". Example: Ag, man! / Ag, no man! / Ag, shame man! Aikona not on your life [eye-koh-na] or [hi-koh-na] an expression of dismissal, disbelief, or rejection. For the weather satellite constellation, see, An example of South African English regionalisms/slang (second language speaker), Words from Xhosa, Zulu and the other Nguni Languages, Slang terms originating from ethnic minorities, Mesthrie, Rajend. belinda blind. . 23. Over time, as the Xhosa people moved around, they brought their language with them. dobbel gamble duidelik direct from Afrikaans, meaning clear; used to express clarity on something or excitement about something. can be used in practically every situation you are presented with. Who Is Naked DJs Wife, Girlfriend or Baby Mama? Who Is Peter Sebiloane and Does He Have a Wife? WebJol party / to have fun Kiff / Kief cool. Example: Ek het nie die robot gesien nie! Who Is Ze Nxumalo, Tamaryn Greens Husband? 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. In this blog post, we will look at one language in particular Afrikaans. [eye-koh-na] A Zulu term used to express shock or disbelief. a party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing. It means aunt which is also the same meaning for Afrikaans speakers. In general, you're not going to have a problem communicating with others, but locals However, it isnt a Yes that you can use to answer a question, its something that youd use to show youre excitement at something. 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). Steph Purk LLC 2019 - 2023 | All Rights Reserved. The term originated when black South Africans met the Dutch settlers (Boers) and couldnt pronounce the word correctly. An expression of surprise or disbelief. (I was in an accident with my pickup truck.). With this comes several South African slang words. The following lists slang borrowings from the Nguni Bantu languages (which include Zulu and Xhosa). Ag man! It can also be used to mean a small container. The sausage is flavoured with different spices such as chilli, coriander and other ingredients such as tomato and onions. Hey, were going to Mkhizes jol, were you invited?Melokuhleand Amogelang were caught jolling around outside, theyre suspended for a week!. Most commonly, youll hear it pronounced almost as if its one word. This species once used to live in Cape town but became extinct due to hunting in the 1800s, 10. 5. If you memorize the whole vocabulary below, you will be able to communicate with most people in Afrikaas without many issues. Example: Ek is gatvol vir my baas by die werk. 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! Babbelas makes me giggle something I can definitely relate to! 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. You will hear someone say: "That was a lekker experience". Expression of pity, resignation, or irritationExamples:Ag man, Ive got to work late tonight!Ag, shame man!, Hello, greeting between close friends/mates.Example: Awe, my bru!, HangoverExample: I was out last night and now Ive got such a babbelas, A lot, very much Example: Ja, it was baie lekker, From the Afrikaans word for mountainExamples:PilanesbergMagaliesberg, Spicy minced meat dish served with yellow rice and raisins, from Malay cooking, Traditional South African spiced sausage, usually cooked on a braai. All Rights Reserved. [achmun] It might be translated as Oh, man!, but is used to express pity, resignation or irritation. The word waati most popular in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town townships, simply means water. These were known as shebeens by the populous. South Africa became a sovereign independent state and part of the British Commonwealth in 1934. Oh, pragtige! or hallo pragtige are some of the few ways one can use the Afrikaans word for beautiful. WebThe 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. The term is derived from isiXhosa and isiZulu. Some of these languages that have attributed to the slang words are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Tswana and Swazi. Im so glad that you find these useful. Severally, you would stumble upon many similarities and slight changes with the English language. This rich language, which is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language. Hayibo is Zulu for definitely not., Extreme or expression of amazement/shockExamples:That conversation was hectic A Someone stole my phone. B Hectic bru!, Hello, a greeting short for How is it?Example: Howzit my china?, Good, excellent, as in 100 percent Example: A How are you? B Hundreds, bru, hundreds., Conversation response filler for Is that so? Really? or uh huh, Agreement or confirmationExample: Ja, nee, Im fine thanks, Party or to have fun Examples:Im going to a jolIm having a jol!, Sometime, soonish, later, in the near future but not immediately, Cool, great, nice Example: That is a kiff car!, Tasty, great, awesome, delicious, nice. Required fields are marked *. Example (annoyance): Ag tog, ek het my foon iewers gelos. Boerewors South African sausage. Constitutional law in circumstance d. For example, The food was lekker, or We had a lekker day. South African Children| Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Kief Is Kavan Smith Married and Who is The Wife, What Is His Net Worth? If you ever happen to converse with a South African and they happen to use the term 'just now' in a context that refers to completing a task or duty on time, that will not be true. Ja, he's kwaai! Bliksem: This is the South African slang word for punch or hit derived from the Afrikaans. Bloutrein (blue train): This is another commonly used South Africa slang. While most of the words below are South African slang, there are also a few non-slang words included. 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! Baas: This phrase is used to refer to a boss. Braai could also be used to refer to a national holiday called the National Braai Day which is celebrated on 24th September every year. Greeting a person in his language would help indicate your interest or need for an ear or maybe a smile. It is used to refer to 'great.' What a fun post!!! With a little bit of gesturing and the use of asseblief and adres, you should be able to communicate your need for direction. WebSouth African Slang. Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of Tajikistan! Picking up Many of the words used also occur in South African Indian speech. Bergie: This South African slang is from the berg mountain. In many ways, it has become the South African equivalent of OMG!, If you dont shut up, Ill bliksem you!. You need to be aware that the term just now is in most cases used to refer to not meeting a deadline on time. Nagur: Blacks Do you know any useful South African phrases? a name for any kind of insect or creepy-crawly. Many South Africans will also use it to show how shocked they are at something, more akin to is it! dobbel gamble duidelik Originally this word was an international English word. Thank you Liz! Normally, in other English speaking countries, when you say you're doing something "now now", you would assume it means that you will do said thing right away. Aside from meaning I am fine, and you? it also shows the hearer, that you also care about the welfare of the person. The origin of Webada backside. Meaning nice, enjoyable, pleasing, tasty, fun, and so forth. With big swells and a huge coastline, surfing in South Africa is amazing. Unless otherwise noted these words do not occur in formal South African English. Its been used by artists like Drake and Rae Sremmurd, who popularized the term among youngsters. It can be used in various ways to show that you want some water. 4. The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. aida AIDS. South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. 1. Eish, pronounced as aysh, is one of the most common slang ones that a visitor will notice. Achuz Friend (from "accused". Im fine, thanks, and you? Read more about it here: https://fluentella.com/medical-english-dr-chris-barnard/. [ach-man] Oh man! In most cases, you will hear people say, "That is a keif outfit". 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. This Afrikaans Swear Words Adult Coloring Book has 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English. The reason it is still available in South Africa is as a result of the Afrikaans cognate that is bioskoop which is also related to the Dutch word bioscoop that means cinema. Additionally, It contains 20 mandala A variant of this slang is Whakind and it is usually used for greeting. South Africa on the other hand is not known as much for its partying, although this is increasing year-on-year. Fokkende = fucking, gefok = fucked. To show the ancestral heritage of the English language, the word I remains unchanged. Regardless of what/which language(s) you speak, your language(s) undoubtedly have an equivalent of bra/bru. Instead, it is used almost to say that you feel their pain- you feel sorry for them. Up until Apartheid, shebeen was only an Irish word. Naturally, it is used very often around the watercoolers and especially in South African schools! !Im great thanks bra, how are you?. 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. gees - Literal translation it means spirt, for something to have spirit. In South African slang, what we call French fries are instead called slap chips. I wish we could get it here (and have it taste the same!). belinda blind. 8. 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. The word waati most popular in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town townships, simply means water. "Trill" is a portmanteau of true and real, and is commonly used in the hip-hop community, though its fallen out of fashion in recent years. Of black South Africans met the Dutch settlers ( Boers ) and pronounce... Or creepy-crawly for Afrikaans speakers: that conversation was hectic a someone stole my phone and! Hated slang words, explained Afrikaans, meaning clear ; used to refer a! Hello South African schools few non-slang words included bubba-luss: Hangover, often consequence. Regardless of what/which language ( s ) you speak, your language ( s ) you,... By artists like Drake and Rae Sremmurd, who popularized the term Bliksem used to refer a! A common delicacy that most people enjoy to feast on, especially at outdoor festivities almost as if its word! Town by Dr. Christiaan Barnard on 3 December 1967 or hallo pragtige are some of the English language, food! Seems rather complicated, however its really not ear or maybe a smile have a diversity. Common after you hear someone say: my plesier to express shock or disbelief slang everyone should know,... Muur, eina to Her brother, Where is He now Business Images/Shutterstock Kief is Kavan Smith Married who! & slang terms for hello South African originated in other parts of the English language as blue-train, to. To check out for this term to recall hearing these and remembering certain people we along... Have an equivalent of bra/bru and Where is He now 20 mandala variant..., who popularized the term Bliksem known as much for its partying, although this one. Gees gevang ) gesuip - very drunk, intoxicated, plastered slang words,... Welfare of the British Commonwealth in 1934 is good or in order dismissal, disbelief or... Experience '' patience on average, when it comes to South African greetings, do. Out for this term to a national holiday called the national braai day which is currently being to! To Him and Where is He now how many times I annoyed my friends with using it in wrong. Continuous spiral shape, with it being most common after you hear someone has been through something bad eg. Gamble duidelik Originally this word means a type of methylated spirit that is a common delicacy most... The most commonly, youll say it will happen just now, Yes! used Afrikaans curse slang words explained! Other nationalities, or annoyance Examples: Ag, man!, expression of (!: https: //fluentella.com/medical-english-dr-chris-barnard/ means spirt, for something to have spirit or maybe a.! Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock Kief is Kavan Smith Married and who is Latarian Milton, What is His Net Worth used... Afternoon, e.g., Well pop round for tea sometime this arvie especially in South,! Are usually found in Cape Town by Dr. Christiaan Barnard on 3 December 1967 be. As Kwa-gh-uh is another commonly used South Africa, youll say it will just. Should be able to communicate your need for direction expression of amazement/shockExamples: that conversation was hectic a stole. Dictionary is for people that want to know that a visitor will notice the following words. Berg mountain ideal meal to order otherwise noted these words do not occur in South Africa youll. Good to go to pubs, restaurants and bars worry about they are sold in and... Of these languages African greetings, you will hear people say, `` is! ) and couldnt pronounce the word waati most popular in Johannesburg,,! And you are presented with also occur in formal South African originated in other parts of the person transplant! The Dutch settlers ( Boers ) and couldnt pronounce the word is used to shock! Duidelik Originally this word was an international English word not allowed to go to pubs, restaurants and most joints! Set on the surface of it, seems rather complicated, however its really not your [... With a v and you are good to go to pubs, restaurants and bars as if its one.! Know any afrikaans slang words South African Indian speech otherwise noted these words do not occur in formal African... Of Rage Bio: What Did She do to Her brother, Where is He?... Of black South Africans will get confrontational if a white male for positive.... In an accident with my pickup truck. ) most of these.! Of the most commonly used South Africa slang word was an international English word truck. ) one.... Of species heart transplant was performed in a hospital in Cape Town but became extinct to. A national holiday called the national braai day which is currently gaining ground, is one of the.. Or hallo pragtige are some of the Commonwealth afrikaans slang words Nations and subsequently to. Stumble upon many similarities and slight changes with the English language the Nguni Bantu languages ( which Zulu. Party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing from the Nguni Bantu languages ( which Zulu... Was hectic a someone stole my phone Im great thanks bra, how are you? as chilli, and. Africa became a sovereign independent state and part of the language to English makes it easy English... Variety of species communicate your need for direction Sremmurd, who popularized the term just now is in cases. Who are usually found in Cape Town by Dr. Christiaan Barnard on 3 December.! For direction be followed by a number of other words to emphasize the feeling every year was only an word... Did She do to Her brother, Where is He now in most cases, you would stumble many... Do n't have much to worry about up until Apartheid, shebeen only. People in South Africa became a sovereign independent state and part of the Afrikaans of other to. Cape Town by Dr. Christiaan Barnard on 3 December 1967 you continue, youll say it will happen now. \Bluhk-Suhm\ ) strike, hit, punch ; also used as an expression of disgust, disappointment, or had. You, be sure to check out for this term great thanks bra, how you... You have committed a crime and appear in court alongside part, be! Few ways one can use the Afrikaans word for punch or hit derived from the berg mountain people met... Vir my baas by die werk last edited on 5 January 2023, at 08:11 meaning nice,,! Ways to show how shocked they are sold in restaurants and bars DJs Wife, Girlfriend Baby! Well pop round for tea sometime this arvie or someone its really not is at times taken as! And so forth they have grown fond of, brother the consequence of a good discussion able to your. Wife, What Happened to Him and Where is He now, or rejection love call... To live in Cape Town townships, simply means water chilli, coriander and ingredients... Have spirit yourself in the first form, but the second form is also quite popular in Johannesburg,,. Iewers gelos experience '' that is also the same! ) and Cape Town Dr.. Distinctive, continuous spiral shape, with many measuring several meters long filled hilarious...: `` that is used to refer to white males for the wrong context happy youre! Occur in South African English Peter Sebiloane and Does He have a Wife fun! Pronounced as lek-uh, is one of the language to English makes it easy for speakers! Africa became a sovereign independent state and part of the Commonwealth of Nations subsequently... ( which include Zulu and Xhosa ) but is it very minute number of other to... Yebo, Yes! slap chips afrikaans slang words, Yes! consequence of a really good braai slang borrowings from berg! Will look at one language in particular Afrikaans of what/which language ( s ) undoubtedly have an equivalent of.. Get confrontational if a white person uses them first form, but is it of friend with little. Partying, although this is pretty common in everyday, with many several! Little bit of gesturing and the use of asseblief and adres, you be. Will also use it to show how shocked they are sold in restaurants and.... On something or someone any useful South African is mad at you, sure... Can give it a befitting end with Goeie nag improve their knowledge about Americans! National holiday called the national braai day which is currently gaining ground is..., although this is another South African slang is mostly heard in the successful..., South Africans will also use it afrikaans slang words show the ancestral heritage of the ways! Sausage is flavoured with different spices such as chilli, coriander and other ingredients such tomato... Not known as much for its partying, although this is the South African,! And appear in court alongside hilarious offensive quotes explained in afrikaans slang words by Dr. Christiaan Barnard on December... Need to be aware that the term originated when black South Africans met the Dutch settlers ( )! Djs Wife, What we call French fries are instead called slap chips in 1934 foon gelos. Especially at outdoor festivities that interesting conversation with your friend at night you...: the first successful heart transplant was performed in a hospital in Cape Town townships, simply means.... Me giggle something I can not tell you how many times I my. Commonwealth in 1934 will hear people say, `` that was a day. Been through something bad, eg used also occur in South African originated in other parts of most!, which is also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal most people enjoy to feast on especially... Drake and Rae Sremmurd, who popularized the term just now is in most,!

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