South Africanisms
weird and wonderful things about south africa and its people
"Kwaai" South-African street slang for cool. "I climbed table mountain today and it was Kwaai.
Submitted by nickyd
“Mzansi” has of late been really popularised by our national broadcaster. it has come to mean South Africa and comes from the Xhosa word for South.
Submitted by Jakes Madala
"Sharp Sharp" a lovely expression that can mean so many things, but all upbeat and positive. Can be a greeting, a farewell, an agreement or just to express enthusiasm.
Submitted by Shaun O'Connel
"What a chop!" A chop is a term used to describe an idiot or a moron. If someone has done something silly, or idiotic, you could call them a chop! for example: John left his car lights on and now his battery is dead... What a chop!
Submitted by Britt Ballantyne
"LADUMA" Pronounced LA-DOOO-MAH is a popular cheer used at footbal matches to celebrate a goal being scored. shouted loud, with the emphasis on the middle DOOOO this is exaltation at its height (well in so far as sport can get you ecstatic anyway)
Submitted by Angel Witbooi
“Rooineks” Is the name the boers gave to the English settlers in the old days because their necks were always sunburnt from the harsh South African sun. The name stuck and you still see a fair amount of sunburnt necks about.
Submitted by Derrick Le Roux
"A Boer Maak a Plan" Afrikaans colloquialism meaning that no matter what the obstacles are, us South Africans can sort it out. It speaks to our no nonsense sense of the world.
Submitted by Jean De Villiers
"Yebo" a Zulu word meaning yes or used to show approval. For example:
Question: "Hi there, can I get a pint in this Shebeen ?"
Answer: "Yebo!"
Submitted by Sipho Mahlangu
"Shebeen" - a township tavern or drinking hole. Once illegal and frequently raided by the fuzz, shebeens are now pretty groovy hangouts in the townships. Note- AMEX not accepted here.
Submitted by Justice beeba
We South africans like a bit of a party, and “Epic” denotes a pretty fab party. If its even better than fabulous we may throw in “flipping” before “Epic” . so ...
"That Afrika Burn jol was flipping Epic my Bru”
Submitted by Hlumela Masha
