Whether its chatting around the campfire, on a game drive or at the dinner table there are some South African words and expressions that you may not have heard before. Let’s face it… South Africa is an exquisite holiday destination but with such a colourful nation comes an amalgamation of intriguing languages and words!
bakkie – a utility truck or pick-up truck
boerewors – popular type of sausage in South Africa (farmer-sausage)
eish! – an interjection expressing resignation
gogo – grandmother, elderly woman
howzit –greeting of “hello” rather than “how are you?”
ja-nee – literally “yes-no”, an expression of positive confirmation
jol – to have fun, to party
laaitie, lighty – a younger person, esp. a younger male such as a younger brother or son
lank – lots/a lot
lekker – nice, good, great
mielie – millet, corn, maize
muti– medicine
Mzansi – South Africa
nogal – of all things. Term expressing a measure of surprise
nooit – never, no way, unbelievable!
oom – an older man of authority, commonly in reference to an older man/uncle
pap – traditional maize porridge similar to grits
plaas – farm
sangoma – traditional healer
shongololo– millipede
skraal – very hungry, thin
skrik – fright
slaptjips – cooked chips (usually soft, oily and soaked in vinegar)
sosatie – a kebab on a skewer
spaza – an informal trading-post/convenience store found in townships and rural areas
Stoep – porch, verandah
tekkies – sneakers
trek – to move or pull
ubuntu – compassion or kindness, humanity
vellies – veldskoene, traditional Afrikaans outdoors shoes made from hide
yebo – Zulu meaning yes
If there are any other words you have heard that you aren’t sure of please let us know. We will translate for you in no time!