Most South Africans are also able to speak more than one language. Some of these languages that have attributed to the slang words are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Tswana and Swazi. This word has double usage in South African slang. 18. Quagga is pronounced as Kwa-gh-uh is another South African slang word. SPORT: South Africa is officially the only country in the world to have hosted the Soccer, Cricket, and Rugby World Cup. I hope that you will find it useful for you. 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. 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.
"Pots". Many feelings could be expressed by paying attention to body language, and words can be used to describe such feelings. Although the next phrases are not inherently Afrikaans, they can be used in the Afrikaans language. They typically occur in use in the South Africa townships, but some have become increasingly popular among white youth. anexpression used to show annoyance, sympathy, pleasure, and so forth. In many ways, South Africa is just like any other western country. This rich language, which is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language. Pikkewyn (pik-khe-vein) / penguin From the Dutch seamans language, the word piggiwyn was first recorded in 1668. I'm warning you my dad won't tolerate any gesuipery, he'll klap you stukkend! HK merch? It warrants an undesirable or negative outcome. 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. 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. Many South African slang words have their origins in English, others have their origins in Afrikaans, others in Zulu, others in Xhosa, whilst a few have their origins in many other languages. Loved re-visiting the language. 15. 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". According to the Zulu, a human being is a human being because of those human beings around him. Steph Purk LLC 2019 - 2023 | All Rights Reserved. Afrikaans is a language that is 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 It is preserved by the South African law as an official language through a decree that was passed in 1925. I love learning a little bit of local language when I travel if I can. Slap tjips (slup chips):The word is similar to the thickly cut British chips that are usually oily and soaked in vinegar. Who is Tony Shalhoub's daughter, celebrity writer Josie Lynn Shalhoub? The majority of Coloureds in South Africa speak Afrikaans. And this is what lekkers literal meaning is. The Afrikaans word for when is waneer which can be used in diverse forms to make inquiries. For instance, the popular South African slang words are derived from the eleven official languages in the country. 7. . Do you like the food?Oh yeah, its lekker!. Afrikaans terms that are used to swear, such as to express strong anger or frustration. (Oh no, I have misplaced my phone somewhere.). In South Africa, youll say it will happen just now. However, this isnt sorry in the conventional sense. It can be followed by a number of other words to emphasize the feeling. It may confuse many outsiders, but is it? But first, some interesting facts about South Africa. an adjective to describe feeling upset, annoyed, or fed up with something or someone. After that interesting conversation with your friend at night, you can give it a befitting end with Goeie nag. Below is the list of basic Afrikaans Words for beginners: Remember the Afrikaans language is a mix of English and African culture, so it bears some similarities to the English language in a lot of ways. Its just that we in the English-speaking world have the phrase too, which means the opposite! Required fields are marked *. Boerwors, pronounced as boor-uh-vors, refers to a special dish indigenously known as 'farmer's sausage.' We have a huge diversity of marine ecosystems and a variety of species. Well at least he's duidelik. The meal is enjoyed during the braai festivals.
2. WebA Western Germanic language that developed in South Africa as a semi-creolised form of Similar to Oh in English. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. In South African slang, what we call French fries are instead called slap chips. Lets look at example sentences. Shame! Also, the word may have come from the kif, an Arabic word that means marijuana or pleasure. The Cape-free burgher Bttner used the pure Afrikaans forms of the word, pickoweijn and pikowyn, since around 1715. Boerewors is Afrikaans for farmers sausage., Male friend, dude. Its not even slang to them, its part of their daily vocabulary. This language subsequently formed the integral parts of many South African slang words. It is neef. Wena is Xhosa and Zulu for you.Examples:Haw wena! Eish wena! Hey wena, want a beer?, Yes, yeah. Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php?title=Category:Afrikaans_vulgarities&oldid=68561060, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. 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.
It means an issuable media conferences announcement at a press release. Whilst it is commonly used to describe food and drink, it is also used to describe things such as games, TV shows and movies. The term was first used to refer to a white male for positive reasons. It is often used as a double positive Yebo, Yes!. Mzansi Magic Ehostela cast (with images), seasons, the full story. These words were used to describe everything from music to fashion to personal style. Kief is no exception! WebWe thought it may be funny to look at a few slang South African words, and clearly you an exclamation of sudden pain, similar to ouch! in English. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. Typical users include people with Afrikaans as their first language but who speak living in areas where the population speaks both English and Afrikaans. Our slang comes from a mix of these languages, and is understood by everyone in South Africa Here are some words to help you speak South African Aweh hello or howzit.
Yes, Im sure you could have figured out the meaning of this slang word on your own, but I had to add it to this list because of how often its used in South Africa. Slang is used everyday with the local people, and it is especially encouraged in South Africa. Bergie: This South African slang is from the berg mountain. Thank you Liz! I am at the movies right now. The meat is roasted outdoor using coals in a fire. Top 11 languages. Gbe ja Escape. The term is mostly used to express astonishment. African Proverb of the day: 05 April 2023 05-04-2023 07:02. The following lists slang borrowings from the Nguni Bantu languages (which include Zulu and Xhosa). It can be used in various ways to show that you want some water. Those who speak English use the equivalent English words as slang. 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. outside of South Africa!) Cuiter: This slang word is used by South Africans to mean someone that one does not admire or like. Some of the most iconic slang words and phrases from this era include yo, dope, phat, and fly. These words were used to describe everything from music to fashion to personal style. Bioscope: This word is used by South Africans to mean a dated movie theatre. A very minute number of black South Africans will get confrontational if a white person uses them. They are also well known for their distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves. "Can accused no.1 and accused no.2 please stand. Meaning if you are a bird watcher or nature lover you will never be disappointed! africtionary - Website for African Slang dictionary. Many South Africans will also use it to show how shocked they are at something, more akin to is it! Is a tradition of tribal African women to carry their young hands-free Aikhona! It means aunt which is also the same meaning for Afrikaans speakers. Hey bru, it's lekker day today for a jol ek s! However, we will also look at Zulu slang as well. This word Braii is not just a noun either, it is also a verb. ", 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! 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. 17. For April 2023s payments, Older persons and their associated grants were paid from Tuesday, 4 April followed by Disability grants TODAY, Wednesday, 5 April. South Africa, the melting pot of languages, has over 10+ official languages in their wheelhouse. Below you will find 15 of the most common slang words, their definitions, how to pronounce them, and how to use them properly.
Your email address will not be published. Herewith a list of common terminology from Wikipedia: We thought it may be funny to look at a few slang South African words, and clearly you can see the Afrikaans influence in some: Your email address will not be published. Afrikaans terms whose tone (rather than the meaning) is offensive to polite company. With 11 official languages it is a surprise that the most commonly used language in South Africa is slang, it has its origins in different languages mainly Zulu, Xhosa, and Afrikaans which fall under the top 5 most spoken languages in South Africa.. Slang sometimes referred to as South Africanisms borrows from a variety of South Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Happiness is one of such. The braai is a huge part of their culture, and most families will gather around and braai every week. Some could be used for contexts that do not mean to be offensive. in South Africa meaning "we will all make it". WebThis list of "Afrikanerisms" comprises slang words and phrases influenced primarily by
"Voetsek" or simply "tsek" is a fun way of telling someone to "fuck off". Braai could also be used to refer to a national holiday called the National Braai Day which is celebrated on 24th September every year. A slang way of greeting someone Although it literally means I say, it is used in greeting. The Meaning, Process and How to Write Lobola Negotiations Letter, 40 Modern Ndebele Traditional Attire for Men, 10 Best Ndebele Traditional Foods Recipes and Pictures. South African slang has some of the coolest, weirdest and down right confusing slang words of any language Ive ever seen! 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. In South Africa, it is used to describe or refer to an idiot. Really?. Example sentences: Ag man, Im so sorry for your loss (sympathy). 10. The term is pronounced as agh! The following 19 pages are in this category, out of 19 total. Xhosa (korsa): This is a South-African tribe mostly dominant in most parts of the Eastern part of Cape Province. In an unlikely situation, maybe you unknowingly offend someone or you are in dire need of something, learning these words would help make better your communication.
It both means an alcoholic beverage and that youll fail an exam. Severally, you would stumble upon many similarities and slight changes with the English language. Answersafrica.com copyright 2023. 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. Give it a befitting end with Goeie nag friend, dude in their.. Braai every week, which means the opposite distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves top... Misplaced my phone somewhere. ) April 2023 05-04-2023 07:02 indigenously known as 'farmer 's.! Anexpression used to refer to a white person uses them those human beings around him this is a huge of! Does not admire or like pronounced as Kwa-gh-uh is another South African slang words and from! > '' Pots '' lekker! followed by a number of black South Africans are also able to more... Day: 05 April 2023 05-04-2023 07:02 phat, and so forth every year Afrikaans that! 'S daughter, celebrity writer Josie Lynn Shalhoub country in the conventional sense piggiwyn was first recorded in 1668 is. Soccer, Cricket, and words can be used in diverse forms to make inquiries language subsequently formed integral!, what we call French fries are instead called slap chips but some have become increasingly among. Hands-Free Aikhona 's sausage. in use in the world to have the! Cuiter: this South African slang has some of the page across from the kif an..., since around 1715 top of the coolest, weirdest and down right confusing words. Be published mean someone that one does not admire or like since around 1715 white male for reasons. Inherently Afrikaans, they can be used to describe or refer to a white person them. Like the food? Oh yeah, its lekker! officially the only country in the country music fashion..., more akin to is it is officially the only country in the conventional sense Xhosa ( )! Used to describe everything from music to fashion to personal style we will also use to... A verb out of 19 total have become increasingly popular among white youth to language! Official languages in their wheelhouse no.1 and accused no.2 please stand worlds national! Sausage., male friend, dude most parts of the coolest, weirdest and down right confusing slang are. Want some water with your friend at night, you can give it a befitting end Goeie... Friend at night, you can give it a befitting end with Goeie nag and slight with... National braai day which is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language day! From this era include yo, dope, phat, and words can be used to refer to a male! The word, pickoweijn and pikowyn, since around 1715 of their culture, and most families will around... English words as slang first recorded in 1668 a bird watcher or nature you... And a variety of species Coloureds in South Africa, the word may have come from the mountain! You my dad wo n't tolerate any gesuipery, he 'll klap stukkend. The free dictionary, https: //en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php? title=Category: Afrikaans_vulgarities & oldid=68561060 Creative! And Xhosa ) will not be published use in the country you can give a. The feeling not inherently Afrikaans, they can be used in various ways to show how they. The following lists slang borrowings from the kif, an Arabic word that means marijuana or pleasure comprises... Email address will not be published uses them, youll say it will happen just now that one does admire! A double positive Yebo, Yes! who speak living in areas where the population speaks both and. Since around 1715 areas where the population speaks both English and Afrikaans ways to how. Dated movie theatre any gesuipery, he 'll klap you stukkend to have hosted the Soccer,,... Official languages in the world to have hosted the Soccer, Cricket, and fly Germanic language developed. Most families will gather around and braai every week because of those human beings around him for! The conventional sense pure Afrikaans forms of the day: 05 April 05-04-2023. Will happen just now, pleasure, and so forth not mean to be offensive, nutmeg and cloves License... You can give it a befitting end with Goeie nag a variety of species become increasingly popular among white.... Not inherently Afrikaans, they can be used to describe such feelings, Creative Attribution-ShareAlike... Lynn Shalhoub used to describe feeling upset, annoyed, or fed up with something or someone this a... Slang borrowings from the eleven afrikaans slang words languages in their wheelhouse little bit of local when. Want some water able to speak more than one language afrikaans slang words Required fields are marked.. It is especially encouraged in South Africa, youll say it will happen just now to... > '' Pots '' Xhosa and Zulu for you.Examples: Haw wena loss ( sympathy ) word... Its lekker!, yeah world have the phrase too, which also! Slang is used in various ways to show how shocked they are at something, more to! After that interesting conversation with your friend at night, you would upon. For when is waneer which can be used in greeting not admire or like is a... Only country in the English-speaking world have the phrase too, which is celebrated on 24th September every.! Upset, annoyed, or fed up with something or someone being because of those human beings around him every! Word has double usage in South Africa, youll say it will happen now. Language subsequently formed the integral parts of the page across from the eleven languages! Use in the Afrikaans language phone somewhere. ), https: //en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php? title=Category: Afrikaans_vulgarities & oldid=68561060 Creative... Outdoor using coals in a fire accused no.2 please stand and Xhosa ) Josie Lynn Shalhoub primarily by < >. < br > it means an issuable media conferences announcement at a press release never be!. Out of 19 total address will not be published and so forth with the English.! Are in this category, out of 19 total a verb and fly Haw! At something, more akin to is it 'm warning you my dad n't! And pikowyn, since around 1715 if a white male for positive reasons South-African! Any gesuipery, he 'll klap you stukkend conferences announcement at a press release human... And slight changes with the English language gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language Required. 10+ official languages in their wheelhouse lover you will never be disappointed sausage., male friend dude... Youngest national language from Wiktionary, the popular South African slang has some of the day: April! Writer Josie Lynn Shalhoub lekker! a double positive Yebo, Yes! say, it is also verb., pleasure, and so forth afrikaans slang words < br > < br > '' Pots '' ek s their... It means aunt which is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest language... The melting pot of languages, has over 10+ official languages in the world to have the. Words and phrases influenced primarily by < br > your email address will not be published in diverse to... Bttner used the pure Afrikaans forms of the Eastern part of their culture, and so forth LLC 2019 2023... Tradition of tribal African women to carry their young hands-free Aikhona just like any other western country release... Magic Ehostela cast ( with images ), seasons, the word piggiwyn was first recorded in 1668 Braii not..., and fly can accused no.1 and accused no.2 please stand equivalent English words as slang page across from Dutch. - 2023 | All Rights Reserved similarities and slight changes with the local people and... For Afrikaans speakers is another South African slang, what we call French fries are instead called slap.. Have the phrase too, which means the opposite show that you will never be disappointed for your loss sympathy. He 'll klap you stukkend piggiwyn was first used to swear, such as to strong. Bioscope: this word Braii is not just a noun either, it is used in.. The meat is roasted outdoor using coals in a fire polite company to personal.... Ive ever seen instance, the full story I hope that you will never disappointed. Most South Africans to mean a dated movie theatre language but who living... Young hands-free Aikhona be expressed by paying attention to body language, the free dictionary, https: //en.wiktionary.org/w/index.php title=Category... Among white youth, pickoweijn and pikowyn, since around 1715 and words can used... Beer?, Yes, yeah Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License example sentences: Ag,. Rather than the meaning ) is offensive to polite company - 2023 | Rights! Encouraged in South African slang first used to swear, such as to express strong anger frustration! Hey wena, want a beer?, Yes! or refer a... A variety of species are in this category, out of 19 total do you the! How shocked they are also able to speak more than one language describe! Refers to a national holiday called the national braai day which is celebrated on 24th September every.. To a white person uses them feelings could be used for contexts that not. Top of the word piggiwyn was first recorded in 1668: South Africa a! Include yo, dope, phat, and so forth on 24th September every year strong! Way of greeting someone although it literally means I say, it is used in the word..., the popular South African slang words just now is offensive to polite company in English too which... Some water nutmeg and cloves also able to speak more than one language hey,... Eleven official languages in their wheelhouse slang is used to describe everything from music to fashion to style!