Keen to wise-up on South African slang? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, we’re unpacking some of the most common terms used here in sunny South Africa. Trust us, by the end of this read, you’ll be bantering with the best of them!
Braai: Not just a barbeque
Let’s kick off with a ‘braai,’ the South African equivalent of a barbeque. But make no mistake, a braai is a cultural experience far surpassing any regular grill-up. It’s all about the meats, the fire, and of course, the company.
Howzit: A universal greeting
Walk into any room and throw out a hearty ‘howzit’ and you’ve just greeted everyone, no matter the time of day. It’s the South African way of saying ‘hello, how are you’.
Lekker: The multi-tool of words
This Afrikaans term translates to ‘good,’ ‘great,’ or ‘awesome,’ and it’s as versatile as a Swiss Army knife. Your food can be lekker, your friend’s new car can be lekker, even your day off can be lekker.
Jol: Party or good time
Planning on having a night out? In South Africa, that’s referred to as a ‘jol.’ It could mean a party, a club, or just a really good time.
Just now: A flexible measurement of time
If a South African tells you they’ll be there ‘just now,’ don’t expect them to appear immediately. It could mean anywhere from five minutes to an hour. Time is relative, after all!
Eish: An exclamation for all occasions
Eish is your go-to expression for anything surprising, frustrating, or amazing. Lost your car keys? Eish! Witnessed an incredible rugby try? Eish!
Haibo: The wow factor
Haibo expresses surprise or shock. This Zulu term is the equivalent of saying ‘no way’ or ‘wow’. Whether you’re amazed by a stunning view, or caught off-guard by unexpected news, haibo captures your astonishment perfectly.
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Robots: Not as futuristic as you think
If someone directs you to ‘turn left at the next robot,’ don’t expect to see R2-D2 waving you down. A ‘robot’ in South Africa is simply a traffic light.
Ag, man: For when words fail you
When you’re at a loss for words, a simple ‘Ag, man’ will suffice. It’s the equivalent of ‘Oh, come on’ or ‘really’.
Shame: Not always a bad thing
Hear something cute or endearing? The correct South African response is, ‘Ah, shame’. It’s a term of empathy.
There you have it! A crash course in South African slang. Now you’re all set to jol with your friends or enjoy a lekker braai… Of course, no blog about South Africa would be complete without mentioning King Price, the #UnapologeticallySouthAfrican insurer with a heart for changing lives for the better.
To get a simple cheap commitment-free insurance quote, just click here or WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50 today.
Cheers, and stay lekker!
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