South Africa is a melting pot of cultures, and with that comes a rich tapestry of slang that can leave even the most seasoned traveller scratching their head. Whether you’re planning a trip to Mzansi or just want to impress your South African friends, this guide will help you navigate the colourful world of South African slang. Let’s get started, bru!
Howzit
This is the quintessential South African greeting. It’s a contraction of ‘How is it?’ and is used much like ‘How are you?’ or ‘What’s up?’ You can respond with a simple ‘Howzit’ back or ‘I’m good, thanks.’
- Lekker
This must be 1 of the most versatile words in the South African lexicon, ‘lekker’ means ‘nice,’ ‘good,’ or ‘great.’ You can use it to describe anything from food to experiences. For example, ‘That braai was lekker!’ or ‘We had a lekker time at the beach.’
Ja-Nee
This phrase might seem contradictory, but it’s a common way to express agreement or acknowledgement. It translates to ‘Yes, No,’ but it’s used to mean ‘Yeah, I get it’ or ‘Sure.’ For instance, ‘Ja-nee, I understand what you’re saying.’
Eish
‘Eish’ is an expression of surprise, disbelief, or frustration. It’s similar to saying ‘Oh, no!’ or ‘Wow!’ in English. If someone tells you a shocking story, you might respond with, ‘Eish, that’s hectic!’
Bakkie
In South Africa, a ‘bakkie’ is a pickup truck. It’s a handy word to know, especially if you’re planning on doing some off-road adventures. ‘We’re taking the bakkie to the game reserve this weekend.’
Robot
No, we’re not talking about futuristic machines. In South Africa, a ‘robot’ is a traffic light. So, if someone tells you to turn left at the robot, they’re not sending you on a sci-fi mission. ‘Turn left at the robot and you’ll see the mall.’
Now-now
This phrase can be a bit confusing for newcomers. ‘Now-now’ means ‘soon’ or ‘in a little while.’ It’s more immediate than ‘just now,’ which can mean anything from a few minutes to a few hours. ‘I’ll be there now-now’ means ‘I’ll be there shortly.’ Well, sort of.
Braai
A ‘braai’ is a barbecue, but it’s so much more than that. It’s a social event, a way of life. South Africans take their braais seriously, and it’s a great way to experience local culture. ‘We’re having a braai this weekend, you should come!’
Shame
In South Africa, ‘shame’ is used to express sympathy or endearment. If someone tells you their dog is sick, you might respond with, ‘Shame, that’s so sad.’ It’s a way to show you care.
Yebo
‘Yebo’ is a Zulu word that means ‘yes.’ It’s often used to affirm something enthusiastically. If someone asks if you’re enjoying your time in South Africa, you can reply with, ‘Yebo, it’s amazing!’
Sho-sho
When you’re so sure about something, you’re double sure. That’s when you’re sho-sho.
You know what’s 1 thing you can be sho-sho about in South Africa? King Price In-sho-sho because the king’s always got your back. For a commitment-free quote from the king of insurance, call/WhatsApp 0860 50 50 50.
King Price In-sho-sho. Insurance you can be sure-sure about.
Psst… This blog provides general info only and doesn’t count as financial or product advice from King Price or our legal and compliance experts. Remember, all our premiums are risk-profile-dependent, and T’s and C’s apply. Our most up-to-date KPPD (policy wording) can always be found here.
Our website T’s and C’s can be found here.
