Geographical & Cultural English - South African English

Here you will find slang from South African English, highlighting regional expressions, accents, and cultural terms used across South Africa.

review

flashcard

spelling

quiz

start-learning

dop [noun]

(South African) a drink, especially alcoholic

Ex:

boet [noun]

(South African) a close friend or brother

Ex:

gatvol [adjective]

(South African) completely fed up or very upset

Ex:

sarmie [noun]

(South African) a sandwich

Ex:

babalaas [noun]

(South African) a severe hangover

Ex:

bakgat [adjective]

(South African) great, excellent, or very good

Ex:

blesser [noun]

(South African) a wealthy man who supports a younger female companion, often in exchange for favors

Ex:

to chow [verb]

(South African) to eat

Ex:

dankie [interjection]

(South African) used to say thank someone

Ex:

to donner [verb]

(South African) to beat up or thrash someone

Ex:

entjie [noun]

(South African) a cigarette

Ex:

gwaai [noun]

(South African) a cigarette

Ex:

haibo [interjection]

(South African) an expression of surprise, shock, or disbelief

Ex:

ja [interjection]

(South African) used to affirm or agree

Ex:

jol [noun]

(South African) a party or social gathering

Ex:

to klap [verb]

(South African) to strike, hit, or smack someone or something

Ex:

kwaai [adjective]

(South African) great, fantastic, cool, or excellent

Ex:

heita [interjection]

(South African) a casual greeting

Ex:

laaitie [noun]

(South African) a young person or youth, especially a boy

Ex:

laanie [noun]

(South African) a smart, well-off, or stylish person

Ex:

maat [noun]

(South African) a friend, buddy, or companion

Ex:

mampara [noun]

(South African) someone who behaves in a foolish or ridiculous way

Ex:

pap [adjective]

(South African) weak or lacking substance

Ex:

sif [adjective]

(South African) foul, disgusting, or unpleasant

Ex: He left his shoes in a sif state .

skollie [noun]

(South African) someone who engages in minor criminal or antisocial behavior

Ex:

skyf [noun]

(South African) a cigarette

Ex:

to smaak [verb]

(South African) to like someone or something

Ex:

stukkie [noun]

(South African) a girlfriend or female romantic partner

Ex:

zak [noun]

(South African) money

Ex:

tackie [noun]

(South African) a casual or sports shoe

Ex:

Geographical & Cultural English
East Coast & Northeast US English	Southern US English	Midwest US English	West US English
African American Vernacular English	Canadian English	Cockney Rhyming English	London & Southeast English
Midlands English	Northern England English	Scottish English	Irish English
Australian English	South African English	Nigerian English