South Africanisms
weird and wonderful things about south africa and its people
“Poepol” is an affectionately used term to denote an idiot. so you might say “ag you poepol you’ve locked the keys in the blerry car! Now we’re really in the dwang!”
Submitted by Jeanne Watson
"Kwaai" South-African street slang for cool. "I climbed table mountain today and it was Kwaai.
Submitted by nickyd
“Bilksem” is a wonderful South Africanism that basically means "we’re going to give them a hiding” Often a way to explain the punishent we’re going to mete out on an opposing sports team.
Submitted by Charles Williams
"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
“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
"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
"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
“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
"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
"At the Robots, turn left" We don't do traffic lights - it's too much like being law abiding. In South Africa we have robots. Much more exciting!!
Submitted by Maria Van Heerden
