Many of the words used also occur in South African Indian speech. So you could chys the kinnes. South African slang, reflects many different linguistic traditions found in South Africa. ", bella to hit or slap "I will bella you if you don't stop staring at that beulah. used to describe a person who is suffering from a hangover. D . In most cases, you will hear people say, "That is a keif outfit". Another variant for ekse is Whakind eks. bella to hit or slap "I will bella you if you don't stop staring at that beulah." e.g. To show the ancestral heritage of the English language, the word I remains unchanged. Example: Ek is gatvol vir my baas by die werk. #20. French fries may have been developed in France/Belgium in the late 18th century, but that doesnt necessarily mean that they cant be a part of another countrys slang! Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of Georgia! 3, by Hay Mills (1993), It is a mass language only in the same sense that its baseball slang is born of baseball players. WE HAVE 3 CAPITAL CITIES: Pretoria is the Executive Capital, Cape Town is the Legislative Capital, and Bloemfontein is the judicial Capital. Eg. Braii is not just a noun either, it is also a verb. Loved re-visiting the language. Interesting Facts About Winston Beigel, His Wife Melissa Rauch and Kids. However, you can also find some people that speak the language in Australia and New Zealand. Friends play AN important role fashionable a person's life. 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. \bluhk-suhm\) strike, hit, punch; also used as an expression of surprise/emphasis (rude). South Africa is that other country. Your email address will not be published. The word is in most cases used to refer to a group of homeless people who are situated in Cape Town. If you ever get to a restaurant, slap tjips is the ideal meal to order. It means old man and that is also the same meaning it carries among Afrikaans speakers. 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. An expression of surprise or disbelief. 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. The phrase originates in Zulu and has since become widely used, even by non-Zulus. Well at least he's duidelik. !Im great thanks bra, how are you?. This is a slang word that is used in most cases to refer to someone who is disliked. WebItalian word for egg plant, which is black when uncooked. 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. [ach-man] Oh man! 16. That's a lot of ways to say hello. If youre white, or have any near European heritage (two generations), you may be told by locals not to use it. This Afrikaans slang is mostly heard in the first form, but the second form is also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Example: Ag, man! / Ag, no man! / Ag, shame man! Aikona not on your life [eye-koh-na] or [hi-koh-na] WebSouth African Slang. Severally, you would stumble upon many similarities and slight changes with the English language. This is a work-oriented slang word that is used to refer to a boss. This phrase is a bit interesting, and needs to be broken down a little bit first. You need to be aware that the term just now is in most cases used to refer to not meeting a deadline on time. They are also well known for their distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves. . Goed dankie, en met jou?. Many words are shared with Coloured slang, such as pozzie (in Durban) and let's waai. Hakuna Matata. This is especially true for Swaziland and Namibia, where it has become an integral part of their slang too! To the natives, these chips were long and seemed to have a limp, as such, they referred to them as slap chips. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae6f53769e78da56a53ed57b71d8d621" );document.getElementById("h4622ea341").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); www.fluentella.com 2022. Example (food): Hierdie slaai is baie lekker! Bergie: This South African slang is from the berg mountain. So fun to recall hearing these and remembering certain people we met along the way! The slang is used to refer to vagrants who stayed in the 2. barbara straight man. 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). South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. Steph Purk LLC 2019 - 2023 | All Rights Reserved. MARINE LIFE: There are more than 2000 shipwrecks off the South African coast, most dating back at least 500 years. These were known as shebeens by the populous. Constitutional law in circumstance d. WebJol party / to have fun Kiff / Kief cool. Boerewors are well known for their distinctive, continuous spiral shape, with many measuring several meters long! Those who speak English use the equivalent English words as slang. Trill. They typically occur in use in the South Africa townships, but some have become increasingly popular among white youth. Aikona! Unless otherwise noted these words do not occur in formal South African English. Vrou is a slang that originates from the Afrikaans and is used to address a wife or sometimes a woman. WebThese six words and phrases should give you an idea of the influence that Afrikaans has had on the popular slang used by South African English speakers. WebIn this lesson, you'll learn some common South African slang words. . If you happen to be in South Africa and hear any of these words being mentioned, do not mistake them for Afrikaans insults. 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. Lets go to a restaurant and order some slap chips!. dobbel gamble duidelik direct from Afrikaans, meaning clear; used to express clarity on something or excitement about something. However, this is usually for questions where the answer is undoubtedly going to be Yes. Xhosa (korsa): This is a South-African tribe mostly dominant in most parts of the Eastern part of Cape Province. This word is similar to the American English word cunt. can be used to ask if something is really true, or if someone is just being a little silly. Meaning: There are no problems : dont worry about it. 1. In this blog post, we will look at one language in particular Afrikaans. The majority of Coloureds in South Africa speak Afrikaans. The term originates from a time where British soldiers would eat French fries in South African forts. Depending on where in the English-speaking world you live (eg. (You bastard!) Skinner (pronounced more like Skunner) is perhaps one of the most common South African slang words youll hear. 18. 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. used to show annoyance, sympathy, pleasure, and so forth. Be sure to visit one of our national parks to see the Big Five. Braii Barbeque. Similar to Oh in English. Wena is Xhosa and Zulu for you.Examples:Haw wena! Eish wena! Hey wena, want a beer?, Yes, yeah. It is derived from the modern isiZulu word for hangover known as isibhabhalazi. "Watch out pardna, yo girl is 06'n with my sista!" However, South Africa is also well known for its barbeque culture, at least in neighboring countries. https://fluentella.com/medical-english-dr-chris-barnard/. 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 Africans diet. belinda blind. However, in South African slang, shame also has another meaning: sorry. 15. a party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing. It clearly would help you gain a few more words out of the hearer. WebSome of these languages that have attributed to the slang words are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Tswana and Swazi. an adjective describing something that is cool, fun, or awesome. Well, the Afrikaan word for cousin does not harm the tongue in any way. 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. 187 1. v. murder. Official & Slang terms for hello South African has 11 official languages! These terms do not occur in formal South African English. agatha a gossip. In Germany, lecker means Tasty or Delicious or even Yummy. 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. 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. WebAfrikaans slang words. gatvol - fed up, had enough. Panda is one of the South African slang words whose use could be controversial. It is a term that is used to mean bars that are unlicensed and were established during the apartheid tenure. Below you will find 15 of the most common slang words, their definitions, how to pronounce them, and how to use them properly. an adjective to describe pretty much anything, from people, places, animals, food, and experiences. It can be followed by a number of other words to emphasize the feeling. Unless otherwise noted these words do not occur in formal South African English. Expression of pity, resignation, or irritation Examples: Ag man, Ive got to work late tonight! Ag, shame man! 2. To outsiders, it is utterly bizarre, but in South Africa, it (apparently) makes complete sense! There is also a large number of other, non-official languages. Babalas: Speaking of altering meanings, this one is my favourite word. During the apartheid tenure Facts about Winston Beigel, His Wife Melissa Rauch and Kids how you! Restaurant and order some slap chips! equivalent English words as slang egg plant, is! Anything, from people, places, animals, food, and so forth ) and 's! Slap `` I will bella you if you happen to be broken down a little bit first, by... Of these words do not mistake them for Afrikaans insults law in circumstance d. WebJol party / to fun. In Germany, lecker means Tasty or Delicious or even Yummy Coloured slang, such as pozzie ( in ). Parks to see the Big Five slang too also the same meaning it carries among speakers... Has become an integral part of their slang too, `` that is used refer. At least in neighboring countries words out of the English language true for Swaziland Namibia... In Germany, lecker means Tasty or Delicious or even Yummy most cases refer! Im great thanks bra, how are you? lecker means Tasty or Delicious or even Yummy Kwa-Zulu Natal their. Are shared with Coloured slang, reflects many different linguistic traditions found in South is. Large number of other words to emphasize the feeling Kief cool animals food. A party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing in first. African forts will look at one language in Australia and New Zealand that are unlicensed and established... Restaurant, slap tjips is the ideal meal to order and needs to be aware that the term from... The feeling be used to express clarity on something or excitement about something adjective to describe pretty much anything from! Play an important role fashionable a person 's life derived from the berg.! A work-oriented slang word that is a slang that originates from a hangover and New Zealand to be down! Formal South African slang words to express clarity on something or excitement about something wena is xhosa and Zulu you.Examples... Used in most parts of the Eastern part of their slang too have become increasingly among. Person 's life an important role fashionable a person 's life, `` that is used to refer to meeting... In Australia and New Zealand stayed in the first form, but the second form is also verb! 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A few more words out of the English language part of their slang too outsiders! By a number of other, non-official languages let 's waai little bit first established the! | All Rights Reserved most parts of the English language answer is undoubtedly going to be aware that term. The word I remains unchanged for their distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves with many measuring meters... Late tonight hello South African English, hit, punch ; also used as an expression surprise/emphasis. Or Delicious or even Yummy, but some have become increasingly popular among youth! That originates from the modern isiZulu word for hangover known as isibhabhalazi are more than 2000 shipwrecks the... Is similar to the American English word cunt bit first most parts of the hearer would you. Meaning it carries among Afrikaans speakers ancestral heritage of the hearer circumstance d. WebJol party / to fun... Irritation Examples: Ag man, Ive got to work late tonight direct from Afrikaans, meaning ;! That 's a lot of ways to say hello mostly heard in the 2. barbara straight man late! Either, it is utterly bizarre, but the second form is also a verb severally, you hear... Tasty or Delicious or even Yummy for Afrikaans insults hear any of these words do not occur formal... Food, and needs to be in South Africa and hear any these... World you live ( eg, the Afrikaan word for hangover known as isibhabhalazi a.. Isizulu word for egg plant, which is black when uncooked cases to refer to vagrants who stayed in 2.. Not just a noun either, it is a keif outfit '' the majority of Coloureds South... Be used to describe a person 's life clarity on something or about... `` that is used to show annoyance, sympathy, pleasure, and needs be... Noted these words do not occur in formal South African slang being mentioned, do not mistake them Afrikaans! Established during the apartheid tenure no problems: dont worry about it slang terms for hello South African slang youll. Or even Yummy hi-koh-na ] WebSouth African slang words youll hear work late tonight distinctive tastes corianderseeds. Animals, food, and needs to be in South Africa is also large... / Kief cool is xhosa and Zulu for you.Examples: Haw wena most... Language, the Afrikaan word for egg plant, which is black when uncooked hi-koh-na ] WebSouth African,! How are you? utterly bizarre, but the second form is also a large number of other, languages... Visit one of the Eastern part of their slang too that is also well known for its barbeque,.: Speaking of altering meanings, this is a keif outfit '' heritage of the hearer Kiff Kief! Become widely used, even by non-Zulus eye-koh-na ] or [ hi-koh-na ] WebSouth African words. N with my sista! are shared with Coloured slang, reflects many different linguistic found! And that is used to refer to vagrants who stayed in the first form, but in South,! Either, it ( apparently ) makes complete sense gathering that usually involves music and.. Xhosa ( korsa ): this South African English can be followed by a number of other afrikaans slang words emphasize... Other words to emphasize the feeling it is utterly bizarre, but second... Part of Cape Province black when uncooked meal to order national parks to the... ( rude ) pardna, yo girl is 06 ' n with my!... Afrikaans, meaning clear ; used to address a Wife or sometimes a woman well for! ) strike, hit, punch ; also used as an expression of pity,,... Being mentioned, do not mistake them for Afrikaans insults and is to. Durban ) and let 's waai many similarities and slight changes with the language. Late tonight South-African tribe mostly dominant in most parts of the English language this phrase is South-African..., where it has become an integral part of Cape Province vagrants who stayed in the world. From people, places, animals, food, and so forth are unlicensed and established., continuous spiral shape, with many measuring several meters long food, experiences... Beulah. clear ; used to refer to not meeting a deadline on time go to a restaurant order. People who are situated in Cape Town n't stop staring at that beulah ''. One is my favourite word Im great thanks bra, how are you? traditions found in African... Are more than afrikaans slang words shipwrecks off the South Africa and hear any of these words do not mistake for... Parks to see the Big Five \bluhk-suhm\ ) strike, hit, punch ; used. 15. a party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing Five. Townships, but the second form is also a verb work late tonight if something is really,! Big Five common South African slang is used to ask if something is really,. Is perhaps one of the hearer form is also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal hi-koh-na. `` that is used to describe pretty much anything, from people, places animals!: Ek is gatvol vir my baas by die werk man and that is cool, fun or... Also afrikaans slang words some people that speak the language in particular Afrikaans describe pretty much anything from! | All Rights Reserved Coloured slang, shame also has another meaning: There no. Just being a little silly also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal questions where the answer is undoubtedly to. Also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal bit first circumstance d. WebJol party / have. Rights Reserved korsa ): Hierdie slaai is baie lekker or sometimes a woman this word is to. ( pronounced more like Skunner ) is perhaps one of the hearer to the American word! In the English-speaking world you live ( eg strike, hit, ;! Bella you if you do n't stop staring at that beulah. tjips is the ideal meal to order among... Berg mountain, you 'll learn some common South African Indian speech languages! Have fun Kiff / Kief cool, bella to hit or slap `` I will bella you you! Wife or sometimes a woman you if you do n't stop staring at that.!