Learn a ‘new’ language: South African slang for beginners

AS South Africans, we’ve derived our very own words and phrases and incorporated these into our everyday language.

South African slang has become a norm to the locals, but what about to the tourists?

Surely they need to be brought up to speed with our lingo not to try and blend in, but to get an understanding of what we’re actually saying.

Herewith some of the most used South African slang words and expressions from Pink Pangea  as well as their meanings:

• Aikona (eye-koh-na) or (hi-koh-na) : a Zulu term used to express shock or disbelief when in conversation with friends and family.

• Babbelas (bub-ba-las) : describes a really bad hangover

• Biltong: seasoned dry strips of meat. Usually from beef, game and even ostrich.

• Boerewors (boor-uh-vors) : Afrikaans term which translates to ‘farmer’s sausage’. It is a savory sausage developed years ago by the Afrikaners and is usually braaied.

• Braai (brr-rye) : South African version of a barbeque. Besides the meat, add some salads, rolls and a ‘melktert’ for dessert to get the traditional SA braai.

• Bunny Chow: South African Indian meal consisting of a hollowed out half loaf of unsliced bread filled with curry.

• Chommie: friend

YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN: Do you know what our national anthem means?

• Howzit: greeting used instead of ‘hello’ and ‘how are you?’

• Eish! (ay-sh) or (ee-sh) : used when experiencing surprise or shock and is a Khoi term.

• Jol (jo-rl) : either a party or a term used to describe a good time.

• Laaitie or Lytie (light-e) : term used to describe a young male in his early teens or twenties.

• Lekker (lack-err) : Afrikaans word to describe something delicious, nice or fun.

• Padkos (putt-kos) : Food packed for a road trip.

• Shongololo (sh-ong-o-loh-loh) : derived from a Zulu word used to describe a large millipede.

• Shebeen (sha-been) : unlicensed bar generally found in places of low income.

• Voetsek (foot-sak) : translates to ‘go away’ or ‘get lost’ and is usually used in anger.

Hopefully this breakdown helps others understand our language a little more.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

For news straight to your phone, add us on BBM 58F3D7A7 or WhatsApp 082 421 6033