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The following slang words used in South African originated in other parts of the Commonwealth of Nations and subsequently came to South Africa. bint – a girl, from Arabic بِنْت. Usually seen as derogatory. buck – the main unit of currency: in South Africa the rand, and from the American use of the word for the dollar.
Thanks to the variety of languages spoken in South Africa, locals tend to borrow words from each language, resulting in slang words or phrases known as ‘South Africanisms’. If you’re visiting South Africa any time soon, it’s useful to know a few turns of phrase to help you along the way.
Below are 50 phrases and slang tourists may hear when visiting South Africa. This is by no means a complete list and popular phrases differ by region. 1. Ag man! [ach-man] Oh man! Expression of pity, resignation, or irritation. Examples: “Ag man, I’ve got to work late tonight!”. “Ag, shame man!”.
Whether you're a local looking to brush up on your slang or a traveler gearing up for your next adventure in Mzansi, I've got you covered. I've compiled a list of the top 100 South African slang terms to help you blend in like a true local in no time.
Afrikaans slang is reasonably dubbed ‘Afrikanerisms,’ which we will mostly be referring to in this article. However, we will also look at Zulu slang as well. This list comprises slang words & phrases that have fascinating origin stories and amusing meanings.
Learning South African slang opens a door to understanding the country's unique culture. These 18 words and phrases give a glimpse into everyday life, showing how language can be colorful and expressive.
This is a comprehensive guide of the most common South African slang words you may encounter, as well as their pronunciations (where necessary). There is also a sound recording for each South African slang term, spoken by a native speaker.