Speak Like a Local: A-Z of South African Slang Ahead of G20 Summit
With just days to go before the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, it’s the perfect time to embrace South Africa’s vibrant culture and maybe even sound like a true local. Known as the Rainbow Nation for its diversity, the country’s slang is as colorful as its people. 🎉🇿🇦
- Aweh – Hey or cool vibe. A friendly greeting that sets the tone. 😊
- Bakkie – Pickup truck. Ideal for beach trips and braais. 🚗
- China – Mate or friend. “My china’s got my back.” 👯
- Dop – Drink or chance. “Let’s grab a dop.” 🍷
- Eish – Expression of surprise or frustration. “Eish, that was close!” 😲
- Faff – To waste time. “Stop the faff and let’s go!” ⏳
- Gees – Spirit or vibe. “Feel the gees at the festival!” ✨
- Howzit – How are you? A casual hello. 👋
- Izit – Really? Used to show interest. 🤔
- Jol – Party or have fun. “Ready to jol tonight?” 🎶
- Kiff – Cool or nice. “That song is kiff!” 🎧
- Lekker – Great or tasty. “This braai is lekker.” 🍖
- Mzansi – South Africa. The local nickname. 🌍
- Now-now – Soon but not immediately. Patience, joh! ⏰
- Oke – Guy or chap. “He’s a top oke.” 👍
- Phuza – To drink alcohol. “Time to phuza some beers.” 🍻
- Qhawe – Hero or legend. “You’re a real qhawe!” 🦸
- Robots – Traffic lights. “Stop at the robots.” 🚦
- Shisa nyama – BBQ or grill meat event. A social feast. 🍢
- Tsotsi – Stylish person or small-time crook. Also a classic film! 🎬
- Ubuntu – Human kindness and community spirit. “I am because we are.” 🤝
- Vrot – Rotten or bad. “That milk’s gone vrot.” 🤢
- Wors – Boerewors sausage. No South African braai is complete without wors! 🌭
- Xhosa – One of the official languages and cultures. “Molo!” means hello. 🗣️
- Yebo – Yes. A confident affirmative. ✔️
- Zol – Slang for a joint. Chill vibes only. 💨
Ready to drop these slang gems at the G20 Summit? 😎 Use them with confidence and soak up that Rainbow Nation spirit! 🌈
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
