Learn the local South African lingo

Because local is lekker 🤙

Every country has its own unique slang language that the locals love to use and South Africa is no different. The melting pot of cultures, races and nationalities has created a very colorful vocab that can be quite foreign to visitors. So here's a quick summary of some of the most popular terms and how to use them correctly;

1. Ag, no man! [ach—no-mun]
   It might be translated as “Oh, man!”, but is used to express pity, resignation or irritation. " Ag,no man the Bokke lost the match!"
2. Aikona! [eye-koh-na]
   A Zulu term used to express shock or disbelief in a negative manner. "Aikona, Fuel prices are going up again!"
3. Babbelas [bub-ba-las]
   Derived from the Zulu word ‘ibhabhalazi’, it is used to describe a bad hangover. "He had a lekker babbelas after last night's jol"
4. Bakkie [buck-kie]
   Pick up truck. "Ford Ranger bakkie"
5. Biltong [bill—tong]
   Its like American beef Jerky, only with much more flavor and Yum! "Lekker stuk biltong"
6. Bliksem [bluhk–sim]
   To hit someone, but often used as an expression of surprise too. "I'm going to bliksem you!"
7. Boet [like boot,only different]
   Usually used to address a male in a friendly manner —technically means "brother". "Howzit, boet?"
8. Bra / Bru [brah and brew]
   Used to call a friend. Very popular among surfers and younger men. "Sup, bru?"
9. Braai [brr-rye]
   Pretty similar to a barbecue. The most popular way to socialize with friends and family. The most popular dinner on a Saturday night, countrywide. Learn to love it, because we do it alot. "Join us for a lekker Braai after the rugby."
10. Eish! [ay-sh]
    A Khoi-San expression for when someone experiences surprise or disappointment. "Eish! Eskom load shedding again."
11. Gatvol [ghut-foll]
    Literally meaning ‘filled to the brim’, this is used to describe someone who is very angry or tired. "He's gatvol!" could mean "He's had enough!".
12. Howzit [How-zit]
    Meaning "how are you?", It's often used as a greeting, saying "Howzit, my bru?".
13. Ja, Nee [ya—nee—ah]
    This literally means "Yes, no". The phrase is used to express agreement or confirmation with someone or something, usually in a disappointed tone.
14. Jislaaik [yis-like]
    This is said when expressing shock.
15. Jol [jorl]
    To have a good time.
16. Laaitie [light-e]
    Describes someone's young son. "My laaitjie is 5 years old"
17. Laduma! [laa-doo-maa]
    From Zulu, it translates to "it thunders" and is screamed out when a soccer team scores a goal.
18. Lekker [lack-err]
    An Afrikaans word that means "nice" or "good". It gets used by everyone for almost anything though. "Lekker man, lekker"
19. Now now [now x2]
    I'll do what you asked, but not straight away. Don't ask for clarification on inferred time frame as there isn't one. "We'll fetch you now now" could mean 5 minutes or 3 hours.
20. Pooitjie [Pooi-kie]
    Afrikaans word meaning stew, always cooked in a cast iron pot on a fire like a braai, mainly a winter alternative to the traditional braai.
21. Tekkies [tekkies]
    Afrikaans word for sneakers. "Put your tekkies on."
22. Slops [say it like it looks]
    Beach flip flops. "I cant find my slops."
23. Yebo [yeah-boh]
    Meaning "yes", It's often used as a double positive, saying "Yebo yes!".