‘Ja-Well-No-Fine’
Seeming as a phrase, this is actually one word. It is a sarcastic way to indicate that what is being said is the truth. However, in reality, the one saying so is just pretending so and that the reality is exactly the opposite. So, for example, you may certainly go yah-well-no-fine to this description.
‘Ja Nee’
Rolling out from the tongue with a doubt, this word when translated into English means ‘Yes No’. Well, you might be thinking that this is a clear irony. However, for the South Africans, it is not considered as a contradiction. Why? This is because they know the exact meaning of it – May be, 50-50.
‘Gatvol!’ (ghhhh-aht-fall)
If you translate word into English, it means ‘the hole is full’. This term is used to exhibit total frustration when has taken enough. Especially, the stress on the letter ‘g’ is very effective.
‘My China!’
Hey, this does not refer to the southeast nation. In fact, it means your China is your best friend indeed. Kindly do not use logic here and think from where it came from. The best thing to do is just to accept it and when you are in South Africa, say ‘Thank you my China!’ when you meet your best pal.
‘Howzit!’ (how’s–it)
This is the easiest term that even you can guess. This is the term that is most often used in day to day talk. Howzit is the short form of “How is it?”. The people of South African are adored for their hospitality as they even ask strangers passing by: “Hi and how do you do?”
‘Eish!’ (aish)
This is a word of exclamation and it basically reveals the feeling of a slight shock. It is mostly used in the daily lingo by the people of South African irrespective of the caste, race, and class. It seems as if the word is the short form of ‘oh shucks’.
‘Takkies’
Are you fond of the Nike or Adidas shoes used for running? Those shimmering white shoes for sports and games are simply referred to as the takkies by the South Africans. The locals always maintain them in pure and shinning white. And guess what its effect is. So, before I forget to tell you, these takkies are famous gems for the robbers. The thieves in this country are always behind these takkies, no matter even you have your wallet full with lots of cash and credit cards. This is surprising!
‘Braai’ (brye)
This term is a South African word that commonly means a barbecue that is a weekend ritual seen in any local home of the country. In fact, the process related to it is very much holy to the local men here.
‘Babbelaas’ (bah-beh-laas)
Normally, a heavy night out is often called a hangover. However, the South Africans often use a term that is very much expressive to denote a feeling of total and sheer uselessness and sluggishness. This is none other than this term – babbelaas! And yes, you not only have babbelaas, but also experience it.
‘Now-Now’ and ‘Just-Now’
These words are time related terms. Now-now means that you are just coming within 5 minutes, while just-now means that the host needs to wait for 20 to 45 minutes.
