South African slang is an attractive mess. At first, it feels like everybody’s simply making up phrases on the spot – and so they form of are. However as soon as it clicks, you’ll end up throwing out “eish” and “now-now” such as you have been born in Joburg.
Right here’s a breakdown of South African slang that makes completely zero sense – till it instantly does…
1. Now-Now (And Simply Now, However Not Proper Now)
Let’s begin with the basic: “now-now.” If somebody says they’ll do it now-now, don’t maintain your breath. It doesn’t imply proper this second. It’s extra like, soonish, or I’ll get round to it will definitely, promise.
Then there’s “simply now”, which one way or the other means even much less fast than now-now. Confused? Welcome.
Translation:
- Now: Perhaps in a number of hours.
- Now-now: Sooner, however nonetheless not pressing.
- Simply now: Sometime, in all probability.
2. Eish!
Pronounced like “aysh,” this little phrase carries the load of the nation. Stub your toe? Eish. Loadshedding once more? Eish. The Springboks lose a recreation? EISH. It’s an emotional Swiss military knife – confusion, frustration, disbelief, sympathy. Multi functional syllable.
Utilization tip: In the event you don’t know what to say, simply say eish. You’ll match proper in.
3. Disgrace, man
In most locations, “disgrace” is a jab. In South Africa, it’s pure affection. “Aww, disgrace!” means “That’s lovely” or “Poor factor.” Say it to a child, a pet, or your good friend who simply bought dumped.
Professional tip: Add “man” to sound further native. As in, “Disgrace, man, that’s hectic.”
4. Hectic
Talking of which, “hectic” is the last word catch-all. Wild occasion? Hectic. Robust day at work? Additionally hectic. Your neighbour’s cousin’s canine bought hit by a bakkie? Tremendous hectic, bru.
Mainly, if it made your coronary heart charge go up, it’s hectic.
5. Howzit
This one’s simple: “Howzit” = “How’s it going?” However don’t count on an precise reply. It’s extra of a greeting than a query. “Howzit” will get tossed out quicker than you possibly can blink, often adopted by a nod and a “sharp-sharp.”
Which brings us to…
6. Sharp Sharp
Pronounced extra like “shahp-shahp,” it means “cool,” “all good,” or “cheers.” It’s the total cease on the finish of informal interactions.
You’ll hear it in all places – from avenue distributors to WhatsApp sign-offs. Say it twice to sound pleasant. Say it as soon as to sound cool. Say it 3 times and also you’re simply displaying off.
7. Lekker
Every little thing in South Africa is lekker. It means good, good, tasty, enjoyable – principally something price smiling about.
Braai on a Sunday? Lekker. Chilly Citadel Lite on a sizzling day? Lekker. Highway journey along with your mates and no potholes in sight? Lekker, my bru.
8. Bru / Boet / China / Ou
Want a phrase for “dude”? South Africans have 4 no less than:
- Bru – informal and pleasant.
- Boet – extra affectionate, like “bro.”
- China – confusingly, not a nationality, simply one other solution to say “mate.”
- Ou – actually “previous man,” but additionally simply… a man.
Sure, your good friend may be your boet, your bru, your china, and your ou – all in the identical sentence.
9. Sjoe!
One other one-syllable surprise. “Sjoe” (feels like “shoo”) expresses amazement. Good or unhealthy, doesn’t matter.
Win the lottery? Sjoe. Get hit with a R3 000 water invoice? SJOE. It’s principally South Africa’s model of “rattling.”
10. Bakkie, Robotic, Takkies, and the remaining
- Bakkie: A pickup truck, not a dish.
- Robotic: Not a sci-fi character. It’s a site visitors mild.
- Takkies: Sneakers. Nice for jogging, not tech help.
- Isit?: A query that isn’t actually a query. Somebody tells you one thing and also you go, “Isit?” (Translation: “Actually?” or “No approach.”)
What are your favorite South African slang phrases or phrases?
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