As a South African publishing house, we delight in expressing our lekker local culture... although sometimes it can be difficult for others to understand just what we're saying.
South African slang everyone should know
- Ag, man! [ach—mun]
It might be translated as “Oh, man!”, but is used to express pity, resignation or irritation. - Aikona! [eye-koh-na]
A Zulu term used to express shock or disbelief. - Babbelas [bub-ba-las]
Derived from the Zulu word ‘ibhabhalazi’, it is used to describe a bad hangover. - Biltong [bill—tong]
Our equivalent to beef jerky... but it is so much better! - Bobotie [buh-boor-tea]
A Malay-type baked dish that is made with spicy-sweet minced meat and raisins with an egg custard topping. - Bliksem [bluhk–sim]
A derogative term, meaning to hit someone, but often used as an expression of surprise too. - Boet [no other way to say it but for "boet"]
This term is usually used in reference to a male friend by another—technically meaning "brother". - Boerewors [boor-uh-vors]
Literally meaning ‘farmer’s sausage’, this is a savory sausage that is often braaied (or barbecued) and then eaten as a variation of a hot dog. - Bra / Bru [brah and brew]
Used to call a friend, pal or buddy. - Braai [brr-rye]
If you're not South African, you probably call it a barbecue. But a braai is much more than a barbecue. It's a whole cultural experience, usually happening during a sports game, or just as an excuse to hang out. - Eina! [ay-na]
An expression for when someone experiences pain. - Eish! [ay-sh]
A Khoi-San expression for when someone experiences surprise. - Fundi [foon-di]
Used to describe someone who is an expert, or a teacher. - Gatvol [ghut-foll]
Literally meaning ‘filled to the brim’, this is used to describe someone who is very angry or tired. "He's gatvol!" could mean "He's had enough!". - Hayibo! [hi-boh]
This Zulu word is usually expressed for something unbelievable. - Ja, Nee [ya—nee—ah]
Technically it means "Yes, no". The phrase is used to express agreement or confirmation with someone or something. - Jislaaik [yis-like]
This is said when trying to express shock. - Jol [jorl]
To have a good time. To party. To have fun. To dance. To enjoy each other's company. - Laat-lammetjie [lot–lumm–ah–kie]
The name given to a child born long after their siblings. See Liefie. - Laaitie [light-e]
Describes someone young. - Laduma! [laa-doo-maa]
Screamed out when a soccer team scores a goal. All. The. Time. - Lekker [lack-err]
An Afrikaans word that really could mean anything, but always has a good connotation. Generally, it means "nice" or "good". - Padkos [putt–koss]
Travel food. - Sarmie [saam-ie]
A shortening of the word "sandwich". - Shongololo [sh-ong-o-loh-loh]
This is what we call large black-brown millipedes. - Ubuntu [oo-boon-too]
It literally means “I am because we are”. It is an ancient African word that describes a common philosophical feeling of humanity and family. There is no single word to translate it as. - Yebo [yeah-boh]
It means "yes", but it is used as an extremely expressive form of the affirmative. It's often used as a double positive, saying "Yebo yes!".
Let us know in the comments below if we've missed any vital South African slang or phrases!
Comments
could you please tell me what a cokie pen is? ( dont mind the spelling)
thanks
Wow…feels good to be South African. Imagine going to the UK or USA with friends/family and speaking Afrikaans. Nobody would know what you were saying, and that’s awesome.
You could include “abba” for carrying a baby – a Malay word. You could also mention that “pundit” is a Hindu word for expert. What about “naartjie”, “witblits” and “mampoer”? The list is endless.
Chai ee lee time. Finished work time to go home.
(Don’t ask me to spell it)
Schpeel – story
The word “fergag”, as in “Nee-wat, let’s just fergag the whole kaboodle”. It means “forget” as well as “chuck the whole thing out”.
Trying to understand what the term
Mx chooo
means. It looks like a slang word to me. Anyone know?
@Tyler the word is Chana not China and yes it does mean mate. This one is commonly used on South African television commercials to bring in that local element.
@Tracy “Ousie” is actually Setswana and it means sister. It’s used respectfully towards someone older or in many cases with someone you are not sure weather they are young or older than you. However this is not used for elderly people as it is disrespectful
Eish man, you forgot how to tell someone when you’re going to do something. Now, now now, just now and Een oomblik. Also, are koeksusters from SA or from Limpopo, me and my husband have been arguing about it for months 🤣
Um a lot of people say chomi mostly girls and that means friend or like best friend.
You guys forgot the most important one. China meaning mate
Hi Tracy, What a great question! We would love clarification on this too… our team will hunt and see what we can come up with (even the Afrikaners on our team are not too sure), but we’d love some suggestions for this from the community too.
Super-useful SA slang words!
There’s one more I’d like clarification on… the Afrikaans for nanny?
I’ve always heard the word ‘ousie’ used with affection, but I’ve also been told this just means maid.
Please advise