South African slang explained
South African English is full of words borrowed from Afrikaans, isiZulu and other languages. Knowing a few makes conversations friendlier and signs less puzzling.
- Howzit: hello, how are you
- Lekker: great or tasty
- Eish: an expression of surprise or dismay
- Robot: a traffic light
Everyday words
- Howzit: a casual greeting
- Lekker: nice, great or delicious
- Braai: a barbecue
- Bakkie: a pickup truck
- Robot: a traffic light
Time and tone
“Now now” means soon but not immediately, “just now” means later, and “right now” means actually now. “Shame” can express sympathy or affection, as in “shame, what a cute puppy”. “Sharp” means okay or goodbye.
Expressions
“Eish” covers surprise, frustration and disbelief, depending on tone. “Ja-nee” literally means “yes-no” and is used to agree with a nuance, as in “yes, that’s true, but…”. “Is it?” is a polite way to show you are listening.
Use with care
Slang varies between regions and communities, so listen first and follow the local lead.
Our guides are simplified introductions, and spelling, tone and usage can vary by region and community.
