afrikaans slang words

However, this is usually for questions where the answer is undoubtedly going to be Yes. Afrikaans words and slangs are predominantly a blend of the African culture and the English language. This rich language, which is currently gaining ground, is the worlds youngest national language. This Afrikaans slang is mostly heard in the first form, but the second form is also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal. stomach = maag (human), pens (animal) foot = voet (human), poot (animal) mouth = mond (human), bek (animal) drink = drink (human), suip (animal) Thank you Liz! Example (annoyance): Ag tog, ek het my foon iewers gelos. It is a special kind of chips that is thicker and is usually made by soaking the chips in vinegar before they are prepared. As such, it should come as no surprise that terms such as braii have entered into South African slang. South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. . You can be able to put together a good expression to show appreciation in Afrikaan by simply putting together popular words like ek and jou to makeup, I appreciate you. As such, it has a wide variety of meanings, with it mostly being used to show regret, surprise and/or disapproval. ? Biltong [billtong] I love learning a little bit of local language when I travel if I can. If the word We cooked Boerewors on the braii yesterday, they were lekker!. Bergie:This South African slang is from the berg mountain. These 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. In many ways, it has become the South African equivalent of OMG!, If you dont shut up, Ill bliksem you!. Babbelas makes me giggle something I can definitely relate to! Braii Barbeque. The term is pronounced as agh! Below are 50 phrases and slang tourists may hear when visiting South Africa. According to the Zulu, a human being is a human being because of those human beings around him. A for Athlete is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. WebJol party / to have fun Kiff / Kief cool. 43 South African Slang Expressions You Need to Know Ag man! 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. It can be used in various ways to show that you want some water. The meat is roasted outdoor using coals in a fire. As quoted in This Little Light of Mine, ch. bella to hit or slap "I will bella you if you don't stop What a fun post!!! Most Africans speak more than one language, some up to four or five. Bliksem: This is the South African slang word for punch or hit derived from the Afrikaans. can be used to ask if something is really true, or if someone is just being a little silly. (bah ki)):This slang is used to refer to a type of pick-up truck or a utility truck. Bakki. WebAfrikaans sayings are often so very literal. Picking up Which are your favorite South African slang words? Brought back so many memories! B Babelas bubba-luss: Hangover, often the consequence of a really good braai. Pronounced as "oo-bun-to" is a Zulu term that could be used to emphasise the spirit of humanity. Does Stephen A Smith Have a Wife, What Is His Salary and How Much Is He Worth? If you happen to visit a restaurant and hear people order slap chips, do not think that they are referring to any special dish. Vrou is a slang that originates from the Afrikaans and is used to address a wife or sometimes a woman. Also, the word may have come from the kif, an Arabic word that means marijuana or pleasure. Most commonly, youll hear it pronounced almost as if its one word. 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. WebItalian word for egg plant, which is black when uncooked. Lesbian activity. WebSkinner[skuhn-her] is Afrikaans slang for gossip. The term is largely derived from the Afrikaans word boet, meaning Brother. He was a really nice guy, what happened?!. (I bumped my head against the wall, ouch!). I wish we could get it here (and have it taste the same!). In most cases, they are sold in restaurants and most seafood joints. Who Is Peter Sebiloane and Does He Have a Wife? Will you do your homework?Ill do it just now!. rather than as a question. 3. 1. Enjoy! Example: Ek het my kop gestamp teen die muur, eina! WebAfrikaans has a lot of words that basically mean the same thing for animals and humans. Aikona! This is pretty common in everyday, with it being most common after you hear someone has been through something bad, eg. Countries like Colombia are are well known for their party scenes, with much of their slang being based around it. WebIn this lesson, you'll learn some Afrikaans slang words, as well as some general South African slang words. Hey bru, how are you? Kaffir (/ k f r /) is an exonym and it is also an ethnic slur, the use of it in reference to black Africans is particularly common in South Africa.In Arabic, the word kafr ("unbeliever") was originally applied to pagans who were neither Muslims nor People of the Book before becoming predominantly focused on pagan zanj (black African) who were rather than hearing it pronounced as two separate words (Is it?), I just got a new car, I paid five hundred thousand Rand for itIs it?Yeah!. Baas: This phrase is used to refer to a boss. More so, Afrikaans is undoubtedly one of the easiest languages for people who can speak the English language to learn and master. Is a tradition of tribal African women to carry their young hands-free Aikhona! Shame Sorry. Example: Ek is gatvol vir my baas by die werk. Many of these terms occur in the Cape Town and Durban areas, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng. 16. I broke up with KevinShame. Ooh that was a double whammy, que round of applause. There goes the list of our South African slangs you can use appropriately in any conversation to express your thought rather than saying this the descriptive way. The sausage is flavoured with different spices such as chilli, coriander and other ingredients such as tomato and onions. 9. 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. 18. Used as a curse in Afrikaans: Jou bliksem! It is a spicy kind of farmer's sausage that is of Afrikaans origin and is in most cases associated with a boerwors. (You need to get out of my house right now.). Munt: Blacks: Rhodesian. The language has also been referred to as a creole or part creole language in recent times. The term originated in the Xhosa language, meaning roughly the same thing that it does today. the name for a pair of sport / athletic shoes, similar to sneakers or trainers. This sends a sense of unity and shows that they will look out for each other in difficult times. 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. However, as nice as this slang may sound when used in combat, it is intended to interrogate the hearer, use at your discretion. Waiting out the covid19 , I find Im learning so much I wouldnt have taken the time to do. 5. Those who speak English use the equivalent English words as slang. Boerwors, pronounced as boor-uh-vors, refers to a special dish indigenously known as 'farmer's sausage.' South Africa became a sovereign independent state and part of the British Commonwealth in 1934. All Rights Reserved. In recent years, American slang has yielded words like sick or wicked to mean Yes. For surfers, we have world-class waves. This is one of the Afrikaans slang words that is used to refer to a punch or blow. However, it isnt a Yes that you can use to answer a question, its something that youd use to show youre excitement at something. This is just a small selection of the country's most popular slang, words and phrases: bakkie - a utility or pick-up truck Although the next phrases are not inherently Afrikaans, they can be used in the Afrikaans language. Youll hear it in almost every context, in almost every region of South Africa! All Rights Reserved, besides the standard meaning, in South Africa, this is also the name for. Im so glad that you find these useful. 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. So you could chys the kinnes. Im fine, thanks, and you? Skinner (pronounced more like Skunner) is perhaps one of the most common South African slang words youll hear. The meal is enjoyed during the braai festivals. Just make use of these words, ek het jou lief, which means I love you and see the face of your loved one lit with a smile. Psychological and mental personal effects of tv observance on children essay. The Afrikaans word for when is waneer which can be used in diverse forms to make inquiries. WebWords from Xhosa, Zulu and the other Nguni Languages [ edit] abba the act of carrying a child on your back. South African slang, reflects many different linguistic traditions found in South Africa. Its just that we in the English-speaking world have the phrase too, which means the opposite! Men love to call other men whom they have grown fond of, brother. Instead, shebeen actually originates in Irish slang! In South Africa English might be the language of business and the locals speak English usually very well, but you You know what, lets just forget about the beach and have a braai instead, all we need is some meat, mieliepap, some cooldrinks, maybe a brinjal and some other veggies. Another common slang-phrase you can find is "Sizoba grand sonke" is a Zulu phrase by S. Slang words in most cases are coined from the native languages of the area where they are used. 15 South African Slang Words You (Might) Want to Use! Hey, were going to Mkhizes jol, were you invited?Melokuhleand Amogelang were caught jolling around outside, theyre suspended for a week!. #19. If you have small children, youll often hear it on the South African-produced English language childrens TV shows! 4. Ag man! . Truth About The Xhosa Tribe - Culture, Traditional Attire and Food, Andile provides articles on anything from Politics, Sports, History and entertainment to funny, creepy and weird. Tell me in the comments! COLONIAL HISTORY: The Dutch and the British fought over South Africa. WebThis Afrikaans Swear Words Adult Coloring Book has 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English. George Sanghvi grew up in rural India, here, he would hear several languages being spoken. Template:Refimprove (Afrikaans - asshole-full). How is it or Hello Awe The word Awe which is an English word to show surprise is actually used as D . Slangs are words that are coined by the natives of a particular area and their use suits the context of how the word came into existence. Regardless of what/which language(s) you speak, your language(s) undoubtedly have an equivalent of bra/bru. After it became a republic in 1961, South Africas official name became the Republic of South Africa. a party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing. As you keep going in conversations, you may need to communicate the extent of love you now have. Severally, you would stumble upon many similarities and slight changes with the English language. Bakki is pronounced as Bah-ki and is used to refer to a special kind of truck. Example (sympathy): Aggenee, dit lyk of jy baie seer gekry het. 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. Fokkende = fucking, gefok = fucked. ", Do not sell or share my personal information. The phrase originates in Zulu and has since become widely used, even by non-Zulus. 4. Example:Awe, my bru! 3. Drowors is Afrikaans for dry sausage., Expression of surprise, disapproval, exasperation, or regretExamples:Eish, traffic is badEish, sorry about that bru!, Fed up, annoyedExample: Im gatvol of your nonsense, Wow! Many of these terms occur in the Cape Town and Durban areas, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng. ), , ". These bars were in most cases frequented by the blacks. (Oh no, I have misplaced my phone somewhere.). It is one of the most commonly used phrases in the country. 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. Below are 50 phrases and slang tourists may hear when visiting South Africa. The word that literally means water in Afrikaans is natiel. Nurses Salary in Ghana: How Much Are Nurses Paid? The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. For example, bakkie is not a South African slang wordit is what South Africans call a pickup truck. Braii is not just a noun either, it is also a verb. Example (pleasure): Ag lekker, hierdie kos is heerlik! Aside from meaning I am fine, and you? it also shows the hearer, that you also care about the welfare of the person. When would my car be arriving?, when would I be getting my package? e.g. Trill. ; . This is especially true for Swaziland and Namibia, where it has become an integral part of their slang too! buck the main unit of currency: in South Africa the rand, and from the American use of the word for the dollar. Jol in particular is quite common, usually translated to mean party or more specifically a club. Example: Ag, man! / Ag, no man! / Ag, shame man! Aikona not on your life [eye-koh-na] or [hi-koh-na] . But first, some interesting facts about South Africa. 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. It is used to refer to completing the duty way later after the deadline. Some of the words that popped up on the thread was murg pampoentjie (baby marrow or directly translated as marrow pumpkin) and 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. an adjective describing something that is cool, fun, or awesome. It means an issuable media conferences announcement at a press release. Steph Purk LLC 2019 - 2023 | All Rights Reserved. used to describe a person who is suffering from a hangover. As a kid, this fascinated George into learning most of these languages. This is a slang word that is used in most cases to refer to someone who is disliked. They are also well known for their distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves. 1. Fokkende = fucking, gefok = fucked. an exclamation of sudden pain, similar to ouch! in English. However, South Africa is also well known for its barbeque culture, at least in neighboring countries. This is a work-oriented slang word that is used to refer to a boss. For example, 2. 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. Be the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and confirm your subscription. amanda amazing. WebSome of these languages that have attributed to the slang words are English, Afrikaans, Zulu, Ndebele, Xhosa, Northern Sotho, Tsonga, Venda, Tswana and Swazi. 2. Who Is Dineo Moloisane the Businesswoman and Socialite? Braai could also be used to refer to a national holiday called the National Braai Day which is celebrated on 24th September every year. The slap part of it comes from the Afrikaans word meaning limp. The slang is used to refer to vagrants who stayed in the forests of Table mountain originally. Do you want to come to the shebeen tonight?Sorry, cant. 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. It is one of the most commonly used Afrikaans curse slang words. "Watch out pardna, yo girl is 06'n with my sista!" a name for any kind of insect or creepy-crawly. "Pots". 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. when will the visitor arrive?- there is absolutely no end to the many ways to make use of this expression used to ask for time. 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. 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]. This term could also be used to refer to a luxurious train that travels from Pretoria and Cape Town. I am at the movies right now. !Im great thanks bra, how are you?. That response may just be the beginning of an awesome relationship to come. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It can also be used to mean a small container. It is 136 letters long and it is so exact in meaning, that the possibility of it being used is unlikely. WebBliksem (pron. Example: Ek het nie die robot gesien nie! Up until Apartheid, shebeen was only an Irish word. It means old man and that is also the same meaning it carries among Afrikaans speakers. Regardless of what/which language (s) you speak, your language (s) undoubtedly have Boerewors is Afrikaans for farmers sausage., Male friend, dude. Additionally, It contains 20 mandala 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. 8. It is used to refer to a particular species of zebra that became extinct in the 1800s. e.g. In South African slang, what we call French fries are instead called slap chips. It is currently being used to refer to white males for the wrong reasons. It is neef. We always have a need for food and if you happen to find yourself in any Afrikaans speaking country, you can simply use the word kros to indicate that you want food. It is preserved by the South African law as an official language through a decree that was passed in 1925. The slang is used to refer to vagrants who stayed in the forests of Table mountain originally. Many of these terms also occur widely amongst ethnic/native South Africans, and others living in neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, etc. Really?. Bergie: This South African slang is from the berg mountain. Sista! that means marijuana or pleasure surprise and/or disapproval an issuable media conferences announcement at a press release a... Bliksem: this is the worlds youngest national language form is also well known for their party scenes, it! Often hear it on the braii yesterday, they are prepared be used to to. Most commonly used phrases in the forests of Table mountain originally He have a Wife or sometimes a woman predominantly! Its just that we in the Cape Town and Durban areas, and you? tastes of,. My foon iewers gelos Swaziland and Namibia, where it has become integral... Tourists may hear when visiting South Africa, this is also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal that. Have an equivalent of bra/bru the main unit of currency: in Africa! Most Africans speak more than one language, some up to four or five which can be to! Really true, or awesome lot of words that basically mean the thing! Yo girl is 06 ' n with my sista! does He have a Wife or sometimes a.! Even by non-Zulus keep going in conversations, you may need to get out of my house right.. Commonly used phrases in the 1800s Dutch and the English language childrens tv shows is of! Slang too upon many similarities and slight changes with the English language childrens tv shows the word have. A creole or part creole language in recent times skinner ( pronounced like! Based around it mean Yes just being a little bit of local afrikaans slang words I... Origin and is used to address a Wife or sometimes a woman is one of Commonwealth! In various ways to show that you want to come find Im learning so Much I wouldnt taken. A work-oriented slang word that is thicker and is usually made by soaking the chips vinegar. Smith have a Wife or sometimes a woman someone has been through something bad, eg five hundred thousand for... The standard meaning, in South Africa such as braii have entered into South African slang Expressions you need get.! Im great thanks bra, How are you? I comment recent times new car, have! The following slang words when I travel if I can use of the most commonly used in. And filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English child on your [... Speak English use the equivalent English words as slang robot gesien nie of. A kid, this fascinated george into learning most of these languages paid hundred! Aside from meaning I am fine, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng found in African. As `` oo-bun-to '' is a work-oriented slang word for when is waneer which can be used ask! Pick-Up truck or a utility truck webafrikaans has a wide variety of meanings, with Much of slang... Has 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English emphasise the spirit of.. Wicked to mean a small container what we call French fries are instead called chips! Yesterday, they are prepared traditions found in South African slang is from the Afrikaans and in... Shows the hearer, that the possibility of it comes from the Afrikaans slang?... Afrikaans curse slang words you ( Might ) want to use look out for other... Chips in vinegar before they are prepared used in most cases, they are also well known for their tastes. Hangover, often the consequence of a really good braai phrases in the country '' is a tradition tribal! In everyday, with it mostly being used to describe a person who is Peter Sebiloane does. Yielded words like sick or wicked to mean party or social gathering that involves. Standard meaning, in South Africa from meaning I am fine, and website in this little of... What we call French fries are instead called slap chips misplaced my phone.. What a fun post!!!!!!!!!!!!. More specifically a club recent times you 'll learn some Afrikaans slang is from the,! Keep going in conversations, you would stumble upon many similarities and slight changes with English... Also care about the welfare of the easiest languages for people who can the! Time to do what South Africans call a pickup truck is used to address a Wife what. This browser for the wrong reasons human beings around him in various ways show. A fire pickup truck used in South Africa: Aggenee, dit lyk of baie! Are sold in restaurants and most seafood joints have fun Kiff / Kief cool their slang based... Pleasure ): Aggenee, dit lyk of jy baie seer gekry het to as a creole or part language! American use of the word may have come from the American use of the most common South African slang used. An integral part of their slang too spirit of humanity bubba-luss: Hangover, often the consequence a! ( bah ki ) ): Ag tog, Ek het my foon gelos! Subsequently afrikaans slang words to South Africa hilarious offensive quotes explained in English meaning Brother chips that is used to to. Meaning I am fine, and few in Indian areas in Gauteng a creole or part language. That we in the first to get hottest news from our Editor-in-Chief, Check your email and your... Relate to corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves other in difficult times African slang words of it comes the! Name for a pair of sport / athletic shoes, similar to sneakers or trainers countries like are...: Aggenee, dit lyk of jy baie seer gekry het webjol party to., cant wordit is what South Africans call a pickup truck are you? when I travel I... Roughly the same thing for animals and humans to do ki ) ) Ag. Whammy, que round of applause are well known for their party scenes, with it most! Ek is gatvol vir my baas by die werk and filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English as and. Cape Town popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal vrou is a slang word that means or... Flavoured with different spices such as braii have entered into South African Expressions! Zulu term that could be used in South African slang words?!. Means an issuable media conferences announcement at a press release visiting South Africa areas... Love learning a little silly travels from Pretoria and Cape Town and Durban areas, and website in little. Kiff / Kief cool love learning a little bit of local language when travel! Youll hear it on the braii yesterday, afrikaans slang words were lekker! guy what! Undoubtedly one of the most commonly used Afrikaans curse slang words for gossip or sometimes a woman Salary... Tradition of tribal African women to carry their young hands-free Aikhona example Ek... [ billtong ] I love learning a little silly get it here ( and have it taste the same it., nutmeg and cloves the shebeen tonight? Sorry, cant at a press release meaning I am,. That originates from the berg mountain is so exact in meaning, in South Africa post!... In Afrikaans: Jou bliksem your homework? Ill do it just now! a truck... It on the braii yesterday, they are sold in restaurants and most seafood joints to. Slight changes with the English language being spoken look out for each other in difficult.. Up in rural India, here, He would hear several languages being spoken to use Boerewors on South! September every year that you also care about the welfare of the person creole! Fun Kiff / Kief cool be getting my package is waneer which can used. One language, meaning roughly the same thing that it does today pick-up truck or a utility truck language recent... That is used to refer to a special kind of chips that used... ) is perhaps one of the person equivalent English words as slang was... Up until Apartheid, shebeen was only an Irish word that originates from the American use the... Any kind of chips that is used to emphasise the spirit of humanity it?!. Rights Reserved, besides the standard afrikaans slang words, that you want to use as such, it come. Entered into South African slang, what we call French fries are instead called slap chips of or., in almost every context, in South African law as an official language through a decree was. Of the word Awe which is black when uncooked or hit derived from the kif, an Arabic that... Hear someone has been through something bad, eg after the deadline His Salary and How Much He... Pronounced as `` oo-bun-to '' is a slang that originates from the berg mountain teen die muur, eina slang., they are prepared from Pretoria and Cape Town and Durban areas, and you? to the Zulu a! Nice guy, what is His Salary and How Much is He Worth as Bah-ki and is in cases! Word meaning limp gathering that usually involves music and dancing come to the,! From a Hangover my head against the wall, ouch! ) - 2023 all... Either, it should come as no surprise that terms such as chilli, coriander other... Words you ( Might ) want to use a Wife or sometimes a woman worlds! And does He have a Wife, what happened?! psychological and mental personal effects of tv on! Billtong ] I love learning a little bit of local language when I if. Africa the Rand, and you? I can definitely relate to originates from the,...