Lifestyle and Leisure
Embracing Afrikaans culture
After living in SA for a number of years, many Brits think of themselves as naturalised South Africans.
But do they know how to cook a 'Sosatie' or what to do when somebody tells them to 'Voetsek'?
Sebastian Schmitz, a natural-born South African, advises on what you need to do, know and own to truly embrace Afrikaans culture.
You'll need to say...
Ag: A multipurpose word that can be used to show irritation, "Ag, no man" or in more neutral ways, "Ag, I don't know".
Aikona: No way, absolutely not. From indigenous Nguni language meaning "No". Sometimes pronounced "Haikõna"
Bakkie: A common term for the American pickup trucks. Used mainly for business purposes.
Bangbroek: An Afrikaans term meaning scaredy pants.
Bergie: Common Cape Townian term for the drunken hobos residing on the streets. The term came from the Afrikaans word Berg, which means mountain – where they used to live.
Biltong: Dried, salted raw meat, usually made out of beef, venison, ostrich, springbok, blesbok or eland. The different farmers and hunters all have their own method of making said biltong. A common treat among most South Africans.
Boet: The Afrikaans term for brother, term of affection in Afrikaans circles.
Boerewors/Wors: A type of sausage, generally quite thick (though thinner versions are often available), cooked on the braai.
Bunny Chow: A loaf of white bread that has been hollowed out and filled with Indian or Malay curry.
Dik: An Afrikaans term meaning thick, beefy, big or full. For example, a large person could be considered 'dik' or one could feel 'dik' after a big meal.
Dinges: Pronounced 'Dingus'. An Afrikaans term for thingy or whatyoumaycallit etc, where one is uncertain of the real name.
Dof: Frequently used to describe a dull or stupid person. Derived from Afrikaans.
Eina: Afrikaans for Ouch, widely used among most of the different communities within South Africa. Also said in a form of sympathy, "Eina, that must have hurt."
Eish: Zulu for a surprised, shocked or bewildered expression.
Fully: Used as an affirmation, the same way as 'yes' is used.
Gatvol: Afrikaans for fed-up, the literary meaning being hole-full.
Hectic: Amazing, extreme. Very widely used among all South Africans.
Hey: Used to emphasise what has just been said or to get an answer, "You work here, hey?" Or used on its own in place of excuse me or pardon.
Howzit: A famous South African greeting meaning "Hello, how are you?" or "How are things?" Try and refrain from saying, "It's fine, thanks". This might lead to a odd look. An appropriate reply is: "No, fine", which actually means, "Yes, I am fine". The word "no" is often taken to mean, "yes". A real Afrikaner or true South African might reply to a "Howzit", with this mystifying retort: "Ja, well, no fine". This is merely a more absolute but long-winded version of "No, fine".
Isit?: Used as a response or acknowledgement to just about everything. Used at the appropriate gaps in conversation when one has nothing else to say.
Jislaaik: Afrikaans for Wow or Gee Whiz.
Just now: A common South African term for saying that it will be done in the near future, and not right away. It could mean that it will be done in the next ten minutes, ten hours or never.
Kiff: Most commonly used to replace 'nice'. Can be used in any context.
Klap: Afrikaans – to hit or slap.
Lank: Surfer term for a lot or many. Used widely by many of the different communities. Used to boost the size of things, "The line to the teller is lank long" or "I'm lank tired."
Lekker: An Afrikaans term meaning nice or great. The most well known term used by South Africans.
Loskop: Afrikaans meaning 'loose head'. Used to describe absent minded, forgetful people.
Nooit: Afrikaans for never, no way or oh no! "Nooit man, I can't believe it."
Now now: It means that one will be there soon. Generally said when almost ready to do something, but not quite ready. It will however be completed faster than if 'just now' was used.
Oke: Used to describe a male person. "This oke thinks he can sing."
Padkos: Literal translation from Afrikaans is 'road food'. Name for the food brought with you when going on a journey.
Robots: Common South African term for traffic lights.
Rooibos: A South African tea made in the Clanwilliam area to the Western Cape. It is also available overseas, commonly known as 'red bush' and is a translation of the South African term "Rooibos".
Sosatie: South African term for kebab. Made from either chicken or beef, and often has vegetables (tomatoes, green peppers and onion) interspersed with it.
Swak: Something that is bad or a downer.
Voetsek: Afrikaans for go away, not normally said in a nice way.
Vrot: Rotten or putrid in Afrikaans. Describes something that has gone off or something that is undesirable.
Wobbly: Another word for a panic attack or nervous breakdown
You'll need to have...
A braai: This is what we call a barbecue, and it's essential to the South African lifestyle. Meat that you'll need to eat on your braai includes ostrich, kudo, springbok and boewors. Koeksister, a sweet pastry fried in oil and served with syrup, is also a must-have, as is pap en smoor – a dish that we eat with the braai meat. Lastly, you'll need a big garden to have your braai in!
A love of sport and, of course, braai. Real South African's are crazy about cricket, rugby and soccer, and don't see a meal without meat in it.
You'll need to know...
The most important knowledge you can have for living in South Africa concerns wildlife. The country has the third largest biodiversity in the world and boasts:
The world's largest land animal: the elephant;
The smallest land animal: the shrew;
The tallest animal: the giraffe;
The fastest animal: the cheetah;
The heaviest reptile: the leatherback turtle;
The largest antelope: the eland;
The so-called 'big five': elephant, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and lion;
The greatest diversity of wildlife.
Related article:
Emigrating to South Africa
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