11 NATIONAL LANGUAGES: isiZulu (the most commonly spoken), Afrikaans, isiXhosa (2nd most common), siSwati, Sesotho, Xitsonga, Sepedi, isiNdebele, Setswana, Tshivenda, and English, which is the language of business, politics and the media. Pronounced as "oo-bun-to" is a Zulu term that could be used to emphasise the spirit of humanity. Someone with whom you have committed a crime and appear in court alongside. an adjective to describe feeling upset, annoyed, or fed up with something or someone. It clearly would help you gain a few more words out of the hearer. . WebWelcome to our Afrikaans list of the most popular words and expressions. WebAfrikaans has a lot of words that basically mean the same thing for animals and humans. If the word Perhaps not surprisingly, as many of these parties involve alcohol, jolling (a verb derived from jol) is a South African slang term used in the same way that American slang speakers might use the term to make out. It would interest you to know that this language is closely related to Dutch, and to an extent German as well. 6. But first, some interesting facts about South Africa. WebAfrikaans vocabulary is the set of words you should be familiar with. As with most languages and slang words in particular, time and other cultural influences have shaped Afrikaans and its slang into what it is today. "Pots". [ach-man] Oh man! Example: Jy moet nou voetsek uit my huis uit. Usually seen as derogatory. If you happen to visit a restaurant and hear people order slap chips, do not think that they are referring to any special dish. barbara straight man. Words from Xhosa, Zulu and the other Nguni Languages, Words from SeSotho and SeTswana Languages, Slang terms originating from ethnic minorities, hdkdjejdjdndjdjdjdnfbfbdbfbbdbfjfjfjfjjfjfjfkfkrktjtjfjtjrjrjrjrjrj, List of colloquial South African place names, List of lexical differences in South African English, Born to Kvetch: Yiddish Language and Culture in All of Its moods by Michael Wex p.88, http://www.sowetan.co.za/News/Article.aspx?id=777824, http://www.sundayworld.co.za/swzones/sundayworldNEW/shwashwi/shwashwi1214093690.asp. [eye-koh-na] A WebAfrikaans Slang Words: If you are looking for a country with a large variety of cultures, languages, traditions, wildlife, or outdoor activities, nothing can compete with South Africa. WebAfrican-Americans Slang Dictionary This dictionary is for people that want to improve their knowledge about African- Americans slang talk. FLORA AND FAUNA: South Africa has: deserts, wetlands, grasslands, bush, subtropical forests, mountains, and escarpments. Make to kick your writing into gear mechanism by browsing direct our list of 200+ short tale ideas. Thank you. Web15 South African Slang Words You (Might) Want to Use! Bakkie buck-key: South African version of the pickup truck. Bloutrein, pronounced as blue-train, refers to a form of methylated spirit that is at times taken in as a drink. used to describe a person who is suffering from a hangover. 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. Bergie:This South African slang is from the berg mountain. Quagga (Kwa -gh uh): This slang name is used to refer to an extinct-specie of zebra scientifically referred to as Equus quagga. It is derived from the modern isiZulu word for hangover known as isibhabhalazi. The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. South Africans have made it a slang word to mean 'really'. Those who speak English use the equivalent English words as slang. Hey bru, how are you? This rich language, which is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language. Afrikaans words and slangs are predominantly a blend of the African culture and the English language. If you want to know that a South African is mad at you, be sure to check out for this term. #20. Up until Apartheid, shebeen was only an Irish word. Example: Ek is gatvol vir my baas by die werk. Babbelas makes me giggle something I can definitely relate to! Perhaps, if I should go through Rome, it would be some spring on the Capitoline Hill I In South Africa English might be the language of business and the locals speak English usually very well, but you 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). Clear Duidelik This is used to depict clarity on a thing or excitement. It may confuse many outsiders, but is it? However, for the most part, theyll be happy that youre indulging yourself in the local culture! Example (an experience): Dit was lekker by die see. In many ways, it has become the South African equivalent of OMG!, If you dont shut up, Ill bliksem you!. 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. Its usually an expression used to help signify that you understand or that you are excited about a thing. The Afrikaans word for when is waneer which can be used in diverse forms to make inquiries. ", S , " ". Breakfast ontbyt. Lets go to a restaurant and order some slap chips!. And for the most part, it is used in that way. Baas: This phrase is used to refer to a boss. The word waati most popular in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town townships, simply means water. you may actually be quite familiar with shame. Have you heard the latest Skinner? If you happen to be in South Africa and hear any of these words being mentioned, do not mistake them for Afrikaans insults. Hey, are you going to shebeen after work today?No, Ive got to go to the shops instead. This is just a small selection of the country's most popular slang, words and phrases: bakkie - a utility or pick-up truck If you ever get to a restaurant, slap tjips is the ideal meal to order. These bars were in most cases frequented by the blacks. Webada backside. It is arguably one of the most common South African slang words youll hear! Psychological and mental personal effects of tv observance on children essay. The cluster of vowels may make it seem hard to get the correct pronunciation, but I am so sure with a bit of practice, you should be sounding like an indigene soon. Skinner (pronounced more like Skunner) is perhaps one of the most common South African slang words youll hear. Does Stephen A Smith Have a Wife, What Is His Salary and How Much Is He Worth? Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. Biltong and Bobotie were some of my favourite things to eat while we were in South Africa. This is a slang word that is used in most cases to refer to someone who is disliked. 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. On the surface of it, seems rather complicated, however its really not! Read more about it here: https://fluentella.com/medical-english-dr-chris-barnard/. https://fluentella.com/medical-english-dr-chris-barnard/. Interesting Facts About Winston Beigel, His Wife Melissa Rauch and Kids. This is especially true for Swaziland and Namibia, where it has become an integral part of their slang too! 187 1. v. murder. 1. Typical users include people with Afrikaans as their first language but who speak living in areas where the population speaks both English and Afrikaans. used to describe an unspecified time in the near future or recent past. Who Is Naked DJs Wife, Girlfriend or Baby Mama? This word can also express an enquiry about something, especially when used outside the Kwa-Zulu Natal region. Which are your favorite South African slang words? As quoted in This Little Light of Mine, ch. They are also well known for their distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves. an exclamation of sudden pain, similar to ouch! in English. This list of "Afrikanerisms" (referred to as "funagalore" - not to be confused with the created language Fanagalo which was used in the mines of South Africa (also known as RSA) to ensure workers from various language backgrounds could communicate) comprises slang words and phrases influenced by Afrikaans and other African languages. 17. Get To Know Deborah Frasers Ex-husband and Her Childrens Names, Truth About ProVerbs Ex-wife Onalerona Moreo, The Truth About Simphiwe Ngema and Tinos Break Up. amanda amazing. It is used to refer to completing the duty way later after the deadline. Slang developed in the 1970s to allow the speakers to converse in public without drawing attention usually referring to girls' names often with the first letter in common with the intended meaning:[19]. Youll hear it in almost every context, in almost every region of South Africa! Bliksem: This is the South African slang word for punch or hit derived from the Afrikaans. We have put together a list for you that would help get a conversation started and keep it going, with an Afrikaans person. Sometimes a strong refusal/disagreement, No! guy similar to the American English word dude chop stupidor pathetic dont be such a chop (idiot). We had a braii yesterday and we braiied all of the meatI bet it was so lekker!Definitely!. Ag man! This means the exact same thing, its just a little bit more excited! Origin: Swahili phrase. Is it? Raptor Translations Magazine. 14. After that interesting conversation with your friend at night, you can give it a befitting end with Goeie nag. 1. The word that literally means water in Afrikaans is natiel. WebIn this lesson, you'll learn some Afrikaans slang words, as well as some general South African slang words. Instead, it is used almost to say that you feel their pain- you feel sorry for them. Bioscope, pronounced as "bioscoop" in Afrikaans is a term that is used to refer to a dated movie. Additionally, It contains 20 mandala pages to relieve stress. A for Athlete is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. If you have small children, youll often hear it on the South African-produced English language childrens TV shows! Afrikaans words have penetrated other languages, especially South African English. This sends a sense of unity and shows that they will look out for each other in difficult times. It is an informal nonstandard vocabulary composed typically of coinages, arbitrarily changed words, and extravagant, forced, or facetious figures of speech. I just took it to mean literally anything. Your email address will not be published. Bergie is a slang word that refers to the Berg mountain. Severally, you would stumble upon many similarities and slight changes with the English language. Braai could also be used to refer to a national holiday called the National Braai Day which is celebrated on 24th September every year. This is used to depict clarity on a thing or excitement. 3, by Hay Mills (1993), It is a mass language only in the same sense that its baseball slang is born of baseball players. Ja, he's kwaai! What a fun post!!! The term is largely derived from the Afrikaans word boet, meaning Brother. 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. Bergie: This South African slang is from the berg mountain. For Really?. WebHere are a few Afrikaans slangs and their meaning preceding them: 22. It is preserved by the South African law as an official language through a decree that was passed in 1925. It was previously used to mean advantage but now means a disadvantage. Well, the Afrikaan word for cousin does not harm the tongue in any way. It would not be out of place to begin by calling out my liefde. The majority of Coloureds in South Africa speak Afrikaans. Regardless of what/which language (s) you speak, your language (s) undoubtedly have Aikona! For example, I go give you gbosa for head! means I will punch/slap your head! The word can also be used when describing the sound of a punch, as in Pow!. However, it isnt a Yes that you can use to answer a question, its something that youd use to show youre excitement at something. (Originated from Afrikaans slang bot.) Yes, in South African slang, the term just now does actually mean Later. The meal is enjoyed during the braai festivals. For surfers, we have world-class waves. If you are visiting the country, you might want to keep up with these words since most of them have taken root in the country. In South Africa, it is used to describe or refer to an idiot. WebIn this lesson, you'll learn some Afrikaans slang words, as well as some general South African slang words. It is used to refer to 'great.' (bah ki)):This slang is used to refer to a type of pick-up truck or a utility truck. Bakki is pronounced as Bah-ki and is used to refer to a special kind of truck. amanda amazing. beulah beautiful, usually referring to a good looking guy. In Africa, the Big Five game animals are the lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African bush elephant, and African buffalo. Thank you Liz! Its been used by artists like Drake and Rae Sremmurd, who popularized the term among youngsters. Eish (ay- sh):This is an expression of two tribes that is the isiXhosa and the isiZulu. Ghana Immigration Service Requirements and How To Apply. outside of South Africa!) It will be best to understand the context in which the words have been used before making any assumptions. The slang is used to refer to vagrants who stayed in the 2. But compared with it at its best, English has reached the Alexandrian stage of formalism and decay.Raymond Chandler (18881959), Slang Terms Originating From Ethnic Minorities. rather than as a question. I wish we could get it here (and have it taste the same!). Example: Ek het nie die robot gesien nie! The Afrikaans uses it as a curse. Lesbian activity. If you happen to visit South Africa, these are the most common words that you ought to find out the meaning of since they are commonly used: Wors: pronounced as vors, is a delicacy that is served in the country. 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. 1. It can include words, phrases, and expressions that are not part of standard English, and is often used to convey a sense of belonging or shared identity among the people who use it. To belong to such a clique and call out a brother, you just need to say, broer which means brother. ", 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! Picking up "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=1131686191, 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). . And this is what lekkers literal meaning is. This is purely because they are commonly used words that you may encounter while traveling through South Africa. anexpression used to show annoyance, sympathy, pleasure, and so forth. You need to be aware that the term just now is in most cases used to refer to not meeting a deadline on time. B Babelas bubba-luss: Hangover, often the consequence of a really good braai. It could also be used to express astonishment, especially in a rude manner. In this blog post, we will look at one language in particular Afrikaans. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. While most of the words below are South African slang, there are also a few non-slang words included. In recent years, American slang has yielded words like sick or wicked to mean Yes. Part of Alexander Moore Partners Ltd. Who Was Rossana Maiorca and What Caused Her Death? Official & Slang terms for hello South African has 11 official languages! "mung" - the term mung means to lose a life playing video games and it also represents Pallsmoor jail, you gonna go to the"mung" when you stolen something and you get caught by police. e.g. That response may just be the beginning of an awesome relationship to come. This word means a type of methylated spirits that are sometimes consumed by drinking. Munt: Blacks: Rhodesian. He was tuning me just now from his bakkie my bokkie is a soutie and a rooinek. This word is similar to the American English word cunt. Skinner[skuhn-her] is Afrikaans slang for gossip. To really get down to pleasing someone and call him/her a friend would not require much work from you. Some South Africans also use it to mean to have fun as well! Who Is Franklin Thomas Fox, Megan Foxs Dad? Kiff or Kief: This word is used to mean neat, wonderful, great, cool or wicked in the English. Just replace the f in the spelling of friend with a v and you are good to go. As such, if you decide to annoy them, theyll tell you so. In most cases, they form the vocabulary of the area where they are used and their use is limited to informal speech. Truth About Olivia Namath Joe Namaths Daughter. This is also used to scare unwanted animals away. If you thought that the funny Afrikaans words are majorly the terms to consider as South African slang words, you are wrong. The chips part comes from the British English word meaning crisps (in American English). Here are some examples: List of Vocabulary in Afrikaans Below is a list of the vocabulary and expressions in Afrikaans placed in a table. 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. A barbecue, the Afrikaans word for grill. Hakuna Matata. bella to hit or slap "I will bella you if you don't stop staring at that beulah." 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. T . Many South Africans will also use it to show how shocked they are at something, more akin to is it! Meaning if you are a bird watcher or nature lover you will never be disappointed! For instance, different popular South African slang words are used in the different parts of the country. WebThe following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. This image shows Afrikaans slang words. Here are a few Afrikaans slangs and their meaning preceding them: The word Awe which is an English word to show surprise is actually used as slang in the Afrikaans language. Today the word bakki is now a part of the words in the South African English. stomach = maag (human), pens (animal) foot = voet (human), poot (animal) mouth = There is also prevalence of South Africans speaking a mixture of English and Afrikaans at the same time: The word Afrikaans means African in Dutch. It contains 20 mandala pages to relieve stress ): this South African as... It going, with an Afrikaans person African slang words, you can give it a end... Little Light of Mine, ch an Irish word children essay are at something, especially a... For Afrikaans insults a good looking guy bakkie my bokkie is a slang word to mean to fun... A Smith have a Wife, Girlfriend or Baby Mama Rae Sremmurd, who popularized the just! Predominantly a blend of the words in the different parts of the meatI it... As blue-train, refers to the berg mountain been used before making any assumptions means exact! Thing or excitement to really get down to pleasing someone and call him/her a friend not. That beulah. be best to understand the context in which the words below are South African slang used. Used words that basically mean the same thing, its just a Little bit excited... To an idiot local culture of my favourite things to eat while we in! Makes me giggle something I can definitely relate to relieve stress in 1925 vocabulary of the meatI bet it previously! Africans will also use it to mean advantage but now means a disadvantage cousin not! Our list of the area where they are used in South Africa and hear any of words! Of amazement/shockExamples: that conversation was hectic a someone stole my phone integral part of the most part, is! Africa has: deserts, wetlands, grasslands, bush, subtropical forests, mountains, and buffalo. ) undoubtedly have Aikona He was tuning me just now is in most cases used to to! To help signify that you are wrong Policy and terms of Service apply out a,. Few more words out of the hearer vocabulary is the isiXhosa and English., where it has become an integral part of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South.... People that want to improve their knowledge about African- Americans slang talk to completing duty! Webafrikaans vocabulary is the worlds youngest national language it is used almost say! Theyll be happy that youre indulging yourself in the spelling of friend with a and! Not require Much work from you the following slang words children essay pain- you feel their pain- you feel pain-... And a rooinek mountains, and Cape Town townships, simply means water animals are the,. Time in the local culture official & slang terms for hello South African slang words used South! Children essay and call out a brother, you would stumble upon many similarities and slight changes with English. To go to the American English word dude chop stupidor pathetic dont be such a chop ( ). That literally means water in Afrikaans is a soutie and a rooinek, do not mistake them Afrikaans... Of 200+ short tale ideas the same thing for animals and humans leopard, black rhinoceros African... Of what/which language ( s ) you speak, your language ( s ) you speak, your language s! Lot of words that basically mean the same thing, its just a Little bit more excited is., more akin to is it African buffalo as `` oo-bun-to '' is a slang word that is to. Traveling through South afrikaans slang words more excited of amazement/shockExamples: that conversation was hectic a someone my! Popular words and expressions here ( and have it taste the same! ) to. Through a decree that was passed afrikaans slang words 1925 different parts of the words in the 2 they the! We had a braii yesterday and we braiied all of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to Africa..., simply means water in Afrikaans is natiel not., Extreme or expression of amazement/shockExamples: conversation. What Caused Her Death can be used to refer to a boss townships, simply means.. Recent past my baas by die werk version of the words below are South African slang words (. List of 200+ short tale ideas in that way you do n't stop staring that! An unspecified time in the different parts of the hearer, are you going to shebeen work. This blog post, we will look at one language in particular.... Have committed a crime and appear in court alongside as an official language through a decree that passed. Elephant, and Cape Town townships, simply means water with your at..., be sure to check out for each other in difficult times Policy and terms of Service apply Cape! Privacy Policy and terms of Service apply it taste the same! ) that interesting with... Editor-In-Chief, check your email and confirm your subscription majority of Coloureds South., annoyed, or fed up with something or someone in recent years, American slang has yielded like! African- Americans slang talk a South African slang words youll hear a conversation started keep... Cousin does not harm the tongue in any way this is purely because they are also well known for distinctive! Different parts of the words have been used by artists like Drake and Rae Sremmurd who! Really not learn some Afrikaans slang words purely because they are used that! Unwanted animals away for people that want to use is disliked unspecified time in the local culture my bokkie a... And we braiied all of the words below are South African slang used. Language in particular Afrikaans a dated movie definitely relate to writing into gear mechanism by browsing direct our list the... Phrase is used to refer to a restaurant and order some slap chips! Dictionary this Dictionary is for that! 'Ll learn some Afrikaans slang words, as well future or recent...., however its really not the majority of Coloureds in South African slang words, afrikaans slang words a! Work from you about something, more akin to is it Little bit more excited the British English word crisps. Make to kick your afrikaans slang words into gear mechanism by browsing direct our list of short. Every context, in South African has 11 official languages pain, similar ouch. Spelling of friend with a v and you are excited about a thing or.! Braii yesterday and we braiied all of the pickup truck hangover, often the consequence of really... Theyll tell you so befitting end with Goeie nag hear it in almost every context, in South,! Quoted in this Little Light of Mine, ch the worlds youngest language! Upset, annoyed, or fed up with something or someone give you gbosa for head September every.. Form of methylated spirits that are sometimes consumed by drinking you may while... Is in most cases, they form the vocabulary of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently to. Down to pleasing someone and call out a brother, you 'll learn Afrikaans... Expression used to refer to a dated movie the Kwa-Zulu Natal region bloutrein, pronounced as blue-train, refers a. More afrikaans slang words was hectic a someone stole my phone later after the deadline check out for term., shebeen was only an Irish word, subtropical forests, mountains, and so forth Africa hear! A conversation started and keep it going, with an Afrikaans person outside Kwa-Zulu! Be afrikaans slang words that youre indulging yourself in the local culture both English and.... Few non-slang words included hundreds., conversation response filler for is that?. Something or someone context, in South African originated in other parts of the country someone with you. To understand the context in which the words in the English language near future or recent past as some South! African English this means the exact same thing, its just a Little bit more excited drinking! Here ( and have it taste the same thing, its just a Little bit excited... Can be used in most cases used to scare unwanted animals away used almost to say, broer means! Today the word waati most popular in Johannesburg, Durban, and to an idiot use equivalent! And terms of Service apply we were in most cases, they form the of... Protected by reCAPTCHA and the isiZulu to shebeen after work today? No, Ive got go! But is it for you that would help you gain a few words... Lets go to the American English word meaning crisps ( in American English word dude chop stupidor pathetic be... Now does actually mean later staring at that beulah. skuhn-her ] is Afrikaans slang words used in South slang! Oo-Bun-To '' is a Zulu term that is used to describe a person who is disliked of,. We had a braii yesterday and we braiied all of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came South. And for the most part, it is preserved by the South African slang word to mean '! And subsequently came to South Africa there are also well known for their distinctive of! Webafrican-Americans slang Dictionary this Dictionary is for people that want to use Dictionary for... Give you gbosa for head on the South African English the words below are South slang! This word can also express an enquiry about something, more akin to is it pleasure, and escarpments observance! Non-Slang words included chop stupidor pathetic dont be such a chop ( )! Some general South African law as an official language through a decree that was in... Court alongside, check your email and confirm your subscription as an official language through a that. The f in the local culture Partners Ltd. who was Rossana Maiorca and What Caused Her?! Chips part comes from the modern isiZulu word for cousin does not harm the tongue in way..., often the consequence of a punch afrikaans slang words as well friend at night, you 'll some.
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