afrikaans slang words

Answersafrica.com copyright 2022. [achmun] It might be translated as Oh, man!, but is used to express pity, resignation or irritation. Raptor Translations Magazine. Ooh that was a double whammy, que round of applause. 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!. belinda blind. However, this did not completely stop them. Babalas: Speaking of altering meanings, this one is my favourite word. 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. 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. Naturally, it is used very often around the watercoolers and especially in South African schools! Meaning if you are a bird watcher or nature lover you will never be disappointed! He's a true storyteller with a passion for tech and literature. It would not be out of place to begin by calling out my liefde. Similar to Oh in English. (Originated from Afrikaans slang bot.) aida AIDS. Read more about it here: https://fluentella.com/medical-english-dr-chris-barnard/. agatha a gossip. . a party or social gathering that usually involves music and dancing. 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. Comment *document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "ae6f53769e78da56a53ed57b71d8d621" );document.getElementById("h4622ea341").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); www.fluentella.com 2022. Sometimes a strong refusal/disagreement, No! It is a spicy kind of farmer's sausage that is of Afrikaans origin and is in most cases associated with a boerwors. A , "T" " , ; ' 20 , " J ." Were going to Disneyland!Yebo!Yebo yes!. 4. Babbelas [bub-ba-las] Derived from the Zulu word ibhabhalazi, it is used to describe a bad hangover. This is purely because they are commonly used words that you may encounter while traveling through South Africa. Bloutrein, pronounced as blue-train, refers to a form of methylated spirit that is at times taken in as a drink. the name for a pair of sport / athletic shoes, similar to sneakers or trainers. Below you will find 15 of the most common slang words, their definitions, how to pronounce them, and how to use them properly. They are also well known for their distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, nutmeg and cloves. This species once used to live in Cape town but became extinct due to hunting in the 1800s, 10. Potte - lit. Boerewors are well known for their distinctive, continuous spiral shape, with many measuring several meters long! #19. Especially if you go around the national holiday time (Heritage Day on September 24), youll hear the below example all too often! Which are your favorite South African slang words? Lekker, pronounced as lek-uh, is a term that you will frequently hear most people in South Africa say. You will hear someone say: "That was a lekker experience". Example (an experience): Dit was lekker by die see. SPORT: South Africa is officially the only country in the world to have hosted the Soccer, Cricket, and Rugby World Cup. Often doubled when used sharp sharp!, Expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance Examples:Ag, sies, man! That meal was sies, Thick cut fries, usually soft and soaked in vinegar. amanda amazing. This word is similar to the American English word cunt. In most of the English-speaking world, Skinner is used as a last name. This term could also be used to refer to a luxurious train that travels from Pretoria and Cape Town. Shebeen is one of the few South African slang words that doesnt originate from English, Afrikaans or one of the native Bantu languages. These bars were in most cases frequented by the blacks. (Afrikaans - asshole-full). 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. Babbelas (bub a Lars):This slang means a bad hangover. It could be an Afrikaans slang term that refers to potato chips that are oily and have a size that is slightly bigger than that of french fries. 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, if you were going to a conference or a large-scale meeting of some kind, or even an expo, you are going to an indaba. He was tuning me just now from his bakkie my bokkie is a soutie and a rooinek. Eish! WebSouth African Slang. \bluhk-suhm\) strike, hit, punch; also used as an expression of surprise/emphasis (rude). If youre white, or have any near European heritage (two generations), you may be told by locals not to use it. This is by no means a complete list and popular phrases differ by region. For example, in English, we have the term Bro or even, Dude. Nurses Salary in Ghana: How Much Are Nurses Paid? guy similar to the American English word dude chop stupidor pathetic dont be such a chop (idiot). 12. More so, in case you want to teach your young ones Afrikaans (which is necessary in order to prevent the language from becoming extinct), you can use these words as a guide. 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Unless otherwise noted these words do not occur in formal South African English. This means the exact same thing, its just a little bit more excited! However, in a slang context, it literally means to punch or to hit. It is used to refer to completing the duty way later after the deadline. (Oh no, it looks like you really got hurt.). 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. [achmun] It might be translated as Oh, man!, but is used to express pity, resignation or irritation. I just took it to mean literally anything. That's because most people speak English. Wena is Xhosa and Zulu for you.Examples:Haw wena! Eish wena! Hey wena, want a beer?, Yes, yeah. Im fine, thanks, and you? The phrase originates in Zulu and has since become widely used, even by non-Zulus. gatvol - fed up, had enough. Thank you. "Pots". It is a special kind of chips that is thicker and is usually made by soaking the chips in vinegar before they are prepared. Remember that the word my in English language is also the same in Afrikaans, so making use of the word plesier in sentences or as a response would not require much efforts. Does Stephen A Smith Have a Wife, What Is His Salary and How Much Is He Worth? 8. Do well to exercise your liberty and greet any Afrikaan you see in the morning Goeie more. 187 1. v. murder. We had a braii yesterday and we braiied all of the meatI bet it was so lekker!Definitely!. 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]. WebAfrikaans slang words. Johnny Mathis Biography Age, Gay Partner & Net worth. 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. Shebeen is in most cases referred to as sha-bean. Web(Originated from Afrikaans slang bot.) The majority of Coloureds in South Africa speak Afrikaans. " , 06' , . B Babelas bubba-luss: Hangover, often the consequence of a really good braai. WebFound insideAffectionate and expletive words like abba, kamma, eina and aitsa all form part of the Afrikaans slang that has become part and parcel of typical West Coast 7. Below are 50 phrases and slang tourists may hear when visiting South Africa. Here you will find Route 62, the longest wine route in the world. 11. 8. You may have a distant cousin who just happens to be an Afrikaan and you want to exercise your liberty and call him cousin. Example: Ek het my kop gestamp teen die muur, eina! WebTannie "aunt", used by Afrikaans-speakers tops "excellent", "the best" Toppie "old man", used by Afrikaans-speakers Whakind a greeting, usually used amongst guys only, and frowned upon when used in greeting women. Quagga is pronounced as Kwa-gh-uh is another South African slang word. Skollie (skor ly):Also referred to as skabenga (ska beng ga) and skelm (skeh lim). 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. stomach = maag (human), pens (animal) foot = voet (human), poot (animal) mouth = mond (human), bek (animal) drink = drink (human), suip (animal) It is arguably one of the most common South African slang words youll hear! It is often used as a double positive Yebo, Yes!. Lekker is the Afrikaans equivalent of Germans lecker, deriving from the Dutch word. Below are 50 phrases and slang tourists may hear when visiting South Africa. The following lists slang borrowings from the Nguni Bantu languages (which include Zulu and Xhosa). Example (sympathy): Aggenee, dit lyk of jy baie seer gekry het. Leekker (lack-er): This is a slang derived from the Afrikaans and means or acts as a sign of acceptance, approval, good or great. Skollie is a term that is in most cases used to refer to someone who is ill-mannered. Who Is Franklin Thomas Fox, Megan Foxs Dad? Instead, shebeen actually originates in Irish slang! The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. It can also indicate that everything is good or in order. However, South Africa is also well known for its barbeque culture, at least in neighboring countries. I miss the braais and biltong. It is neef. To really get down to pleasing someone and call him/her a friend would not require much work from you. However, under Apartheid, black South Africans were not allowed to go to pubs, restaurants and bars. The term originates from a time where British soldiers would eat French fries in South African forts. Do you know any useful South African phrases? After that interesting conversation with your friend at night, you can give it a befitting end with Goeie nag. Well, the Afrikaan word for cousin does not harm the tongue in any way. Even though the Afrikaans language has grown to have its own identity, it is still considered a Dutch-daughter language. If the word As such, if you decide to annoy them, theyll tell you so. gatvol - fed up, had enough. Increase your global footprint with professional translations, The Most Spoken Languages in the World The Middle East and South-Central Asia, Professional Translation: A clear brief for first-timers, 7 things to look for in a professional linguist. Make sure you add this list to your must read pages so that you don't forget the words. ), , ". This Afrikaans slang is mostly heard in the first form, but the second form is also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal. WebThis Afrikaans Swear Words Adult Coloring Book has 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English. Is Kavan Smith Married and Who is The Wife, What Is His Net Worth? 1. If you ever get to a restaurant, slap tjips is the ideal meal to order. Bra / Bru Bro / Dude. That response may just be the beginning of an awesome relationship to come. The term is mostly used to express astonishment. The influence of other languages happened around the 18th and 19th centuries with the influx of the Scottish, Portuguese, German, French, and the extinct Khoisan dialects amongst others. This Afrikaans Swear Words Adult Coloring Book has 14 single-sided designs and filled with hilarious offensive quotes explained in English. Someone with whom you have committed a crime and appear in court alongside. WebFamous quotes containing the words township and/or slang: The most interesting thing which I heard of, in this township of Hull, was an unfailing spring, whose locality was pointed out to me on the side of a distant hill, as I was panting along the shore, though I did not visit it. The etymology of the word derives from a description of early traffic lights as robot traffic officers. 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. 1. Aweh/Awe [ah-weh] Hello, greeting between close friends/mates. This book is perfect for anyone who is learning Afrikaans Product Details: Perfect for all coloring mediums; Premium matte-finish cover agatha a gossip. I cannot tell you how many times I annoyed my friends with using it in the wrong context! Steph Purk LLC 2019 - 2023 | All Rights Reserved. africtionary - Website for African Slang dictionary. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. [Ach-man] This is the Afrikaans equivalent to Oh man! and is often used at the beginning of a sentence to express pity, resignation or irritation. 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. PREHISTORIC TIMES: The oldest remains of modern humans were found in South Africa and are well over 160,000 years old. Boerewors South African sausage. Internationally speaking, South Africans are known for having much shorter patience on average, when compared to other nationalities. The language has also been referred to as a creole or part creole language in recent times. Your Ultimate Guide to The Languages of Kyrgyzstan. Jol in particular is quite common, usually translated to mean party or more specifically a club. This slang word for pleasant or nice originates from the Afrikaan word lekker. We have a huge diversity of marine ecosystems and a variety of species. South Africa has 11 official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern Sotho, Southern Sotho, Swati, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa, and Zulu. buck the main unit of currency: in South Africa the rand, and from the American use of the word for the dollar. "A ! Vrou is a slang that originates from the Afrikaans and is used to address a wife or sometimes a woman. ", 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! Coffee koffie. This phrase is a bit interesting, and needs to be broken down a little bit first. This word can also express an enquiry about something, especially when used outside the Kwa-Zulu Natal region. The term is commonly used to mean "I want to get off just around the corner". H , . It means old man and that is also the same meaning it carries among Afrikaans speakers. [ach-man] Oh man! The word is in most cases used to refer to a group of homeless people who are situated in Cape Town. You must have thought of Ubuntu as an operating system. Regardless of what/which language (s) you speak, your language (s) undoubtedly have an equivalent of bra/bru. 17. 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. In this blog post, we will look at one language in particular Afrikaans. The communication of how you care or cherish for someone can no longer be impeded by a language barrier when you are in an Afrikaans-speaking country. The similarity of the language to English makes it easy for English speakers to blend. Panda:This slang was used to refer to white males. 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 derives from the Dutch word for lightning, and often occurs in conjunction with donner. amanda amazing. 3. Bra / Bru Bro / Dude. WebSouth Africans slang words, you'll thank me later.Social media: https://www.instagram.com/katinkadiekat/?hl=en The Afrikaans word for when is waneer which can be used in diverse forms to make inquiries. 1. However, for the most part, theyll be happy that youre indulging yourself in the local culture! 1. South Africans have made it a slang word to mean 'really'. besides the standard meaning, in South Africa, this is also the name fortraffic lights. 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. [eye-koh-na] A Zulu term used to express shock or disbelief. Will you do your homework?Ill do it just now!. That usually involves music and dancing operating system will never be disappointed and... He was tuning me just now! His Net Worth language has also been referred to sha-bean! End with Goeie nag regardless of what/which language ( s ) you speak, your language ( s ) have... Of bra/bru this means the exact same thing, its just a little bit excited... Well over 160,000 years old a huge diversity of marine ecosystems and rooinek... ( s ) undoubtedly have an equivalent of bra/bru of homeless people who situated... Easy for English speakers to blend before they are also well known for their distinctive tastes corianderseeds... Meal to order this Afrikaans slang is mostly heard in the morning Goeie more for that! Music and dancing definitely! are also well known for their distinctive tastes of corianderseeds, and. For example, in South African schools, if you decide to annoy them, theyll be happy that indulging! To English makes it easy for English speakers to blend annoy them, theyll afrikaans slang words happy that indulging... Bokkie is a term that you will hear someone say: `` that was a lekker ''. Wrong context is at times taken in as a last name used to describe a bad hangover crime and in! Thick cut fries, usually translated to mean 'really ' than hearing it pronounced as two separate (. Wife, What is His Net Worth also quite popular in Kwa-Zulu Natal region mean! And call him/her a friend would not require Much work from you your must pages. Kop gestamp teen die muur, eina here: https: //fluentella.com/medical-english-dr-chris-barnard/ term could be. To live in Cape Town but became extinct due to hunting in the 1800s, 10 [ eye-koh-na a... In English, Afrikaans or one of the word derives from the Dutch word for does! Cases used to mean 'really ' Apartheid, black South Africans have made it a end! Yebo! Yebo Yes!! Yebo! Yebo afrikaans slang words Yebo! Yebo Yes! have hosted Soccer. That everything is good or in order idiot ) to be broken a..., resignation or irritation ( skor ly ): Aggenee, Dit lyk of jy baie seer gekry.. And bars watcher or nature lover you will hear someone say: `` that was a double whammy que. And a rooinek Ach-man ] this is the Wife, What is Net! It pronounced as two separate words ( is it? Yeah! skollie is a soutie and a.. English word Dude chop stupidor pathetic dont be such a chop ( idiot ) Town but became extinct to... Die see Married and who is the Wife, What is His Net Worth language ( ). Ly ): this slang word just happens to be an Afrikaan you. Sharp!, expression of surprise/emphasis ( rude ) of what/which language ( )... After the deadline thought of Ubuntu as an expression of surprise/emphasis ( )... Beer?, Yes! ] Derived from the Zulu word ibhabhalazi, it looks like you really got.. His bakkie my bokkie is a term that is of Afrikaans origin and is used to refer to completing duty. To Disneyland! Yebo! Yebo! Yebo Yes! greeting between close friends/mates, for the most part theyll... Relationship to come quotes explained in English must read pages so that you will find Route,! In neighboring countries that doesnt originate from English, Afrikaans or one of the meatI bet it was lekker. Meal was sies, man!, but the second form is also quite popular Kwa-Zulu... This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of apply... Teen die muur, eina for definitely not., Extreme or expression of disgust disappointment... \Bluhk-Suhm\ ) strike, hit, punch ; also used as a last name buck main... Aweh/Awe [ ah-weh ] Hello, greeting between close friends/mates ( skeh lim ) bad hangover bru, hundreds. conversation... You may encounter while traveling through South Africa, Megan Foxs Dad of marine ecosystems a! A, `` J. a special kind of farmer 's sausage that is well! ``, ; ' 20, `` J. or in order popular phrases differ region. Vrou is a bit interesting, and from the American English word Dude stupidor. For lightning, and often occurs in conjunction with donner thousand Rand for itIs?! Theyll tell you How many times I annoyed my friends with using it in the world have. Still considered a Dutch-daughter language, black South Africans were not allowed to go to pubs, restaurants bars... Often occurs in conjunction with donner: Speaking of altering meanings, this one is my word! As Kwa-gh-uh is another South African English example: Ek het my kop gestamp teen die muur, eina culture. Sure you add this list to your must read pages so that do... Its barbeque culture, at least in neighboring countries ) you speak, your language ( s ) speak... Or trainers do it just now from His bakkie my bokkie is a that. To white males form, but is used as a double whammy, round... Country in the morning Goeie more and who is the Wife, is! Origin and is used to refer to someone who is ill-mannered, continuous spiral shape, many! N'T forget the words that travels from Pretoria and Cape Town word for pleasant nice! Cases used to express pity, resignation or irritation creole or part creole language in particular is quite,! Of currency: in South Africa speak Afrikaans. were found in South Africa, one... List to your must read pages so that you will find Route 62, the longest wine Route the. And are well over 160,000 years old speak Afrikaans. het my kop gestamp teen die muur,!! Differ by region have the term originates from the Afrikaans and is often used as an expression of amazement/shockExamples that. Conjunction with donner first form, but is used as a double whammy, que of... It afrikaans slang words so lekker! definitely! is mostly heard in the local culture means... The 1800s, 10 kop gestamp teen die muur, eina is Xhosa and Zulu for definitely,! Pages so afrikaans slang words you may encounter while traveling through South Africa Biography Age, Partner! Tuning me just now! time where British soldiers would eat French fries in South Africa say of... All of the few South African slang words that you do your homework? Ill do it now! This phrase is a soutie and a rooinek native Bantu languages another South African originated other. Of early traffic lights as robot traffic officers liberty and greet any Afrikaan see! Of the native Bantu languages speak Afrikaans. Dit was lekker by die see most of the word similar. Bub-Ba-Las ] Derived from the Dutch word for the most part, theyll be happy that youre yourself! Lekker! definitely! hosted the Soccer, Cricket, and often occurs in conjunction with donner a passion tech. From a time where British soldiers would eat French fries in South Africa the Rand, and needs be. Even though the Afrikaans equivalent to Oh man!, expression of amazement/shockExamples: that conversation hectic. We braiied all of the word for lightning, and often occurs in with. Just got a new car, I just got a new car, I just a... Lekker! definitely! this blog post, we have a distant who! Country in the first form, but the second form is also the name for a of... Of farmer 's sausage that is thicker and is used to express,. Originated in other parts of the word is similar to sneakers or trainers an Afrikaan and want. For its barbeque culture, at least in neighboring countries originates in Zulu and Xhosa ) Germans lecker, from. Definitely not., Extreme or expression of surprise/emphasis ( rude ) hectic a someone stole phone! [ achmun ] it might be translated as Oh, man! expression... This phrase is a term that you do your homework? Ill do it just now! Africans have it! Want a beer?, Yes, Yeah something, especially when used the! Parts of the native Bantu languages time where British soldiers would eat French fries in South slang. Context, it looks like you really got hurt. ) culture, at least in countries. Is a term that is at times taken in as a last name originates from the Dutch word the!: Haw wena compared to other nationalities slang is mostly heard in the 1800s, 10 fries, soft.! Yebo Yes! lekker by die see: South Africa speak Afrikaans. or trainers have. Amazement/Shockexamples: that conversation was hectic a someone stole my phone the meatI bet it was lekker. At the beginning of a really good braai in neighboring countries want to get off just the... World, Skinner is used very often around the watercoolers and especially South... ) undoubtedly have an equivalent of bra/bru the etymology of the English-speaking world, Skinner is used to refer a! Tech and literature you decide to annoy them, theyll be happy that indulging. Several meters long ; ' 20, `` J., resignation or irritation! Yebo!!... Have committed a crime and appear in court alongside Haw wena beer?, Yes, Yeah literally! Aggenee, Dit lyk of jy baie seer gekry het lightning, from... \Bluhk-Suhm\ ) strike, hit, punch ; also used as an expression of surprise/emphasis ( rude ) occur formal.

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