Glossary of South Africanisms
Apart from our funny accent which I have been favorably informed by an air hostess on a major American airline was “beautiful to hear”, we South African’s use some really funny phrases and words. Here I try to decipher some of them for you, should you ever be invited for a potjie or a braai.
- Braai : This is a BBQ but on an open wood fired grill. In some parts of South Africa, it is frowned upon to use gas
- Blitz : Wood fire lighters
- Potjie : Three legged cast iron pot in which you cook stew on coals
- Biltong : It’s like Jerky. Actually it is not like Jerky at all. It’s a gazillion times better
- Boet / Bra / Bru : Brother or good friend that you will braai with
- Chom / China / Cuzin : Brother or good friend that you will braai with
- Boerewors : Spicy Sausage that you put on the braai
- Droewors : Dry Sausage, also not at all like Jerky
- Chow : To eat something
- Eina : Ouch
- Eish : Term of Surprise. Eish this fire is hot
- Fundi : Expert / Braai-master
- Gogga : Bug
- Howzit : Hello. How are you?
- Ja, Nee : Basically Yes, No meaning you agree or confirm something
- Jislaaik : Like Eish but not exactly
- Jol : Party
- Jollers : Party goers
- Lekker : Great / Tasty
- Now Now : Immediately / soon / sometime soon and sooner than just now or right now
- Oke : Man or guy. More formal than Bru or Cuzin
- Sarmie : Sandwich
- Shebeen : Unlicensed bar our alcohol outlet
- Yebo : Yes
- Biscuit : Term of affection for a good thing done
- Bokke : Triple world champion rugby team
- Cozzy : Swimming / bathing costume
- Hundreds : Excellent
- Gooi : Chuck or throw
- Sosatie : Kebab
- Slops : Sandles
- Tekkies : Running shoes
- Veld : Bush
