Tuesday 13th Oct
saffa slang

What is your favourite South African slang word?

This week’s group post sees the Phuthu gals describing their favourite South African slang word. What is your favourite slang word andy why? For a list of all the South African slang words visit Phuthu’s very own slangtionary.

Elzet

My favourite one is definitely: Eish. Not because I specifically like this slang word the most, but it slips out most of the time. It’s a multi-purpose kinda word. I can respond with an Eish to something shocking, something exciting, something unbelievable or something hilarious. Just works for me and I have yet to grow tired of the word.

Louise

Now that I think about it, I use the ever so South African - “Ag shame man!” all the time. I append it to many a sentence. According to our very own slangtionary, the phrase has the following meaning:


To express anything from sympathy to sarcasm:

“Ag Shame, she didn’t deserve that”

OR

“You are too tired to shop? Ag shame man, you really have it tough!”

OR

“Ag shame man, he really made an effort with Valentine’s day”

Katrine

I must admit that shame, man is the one I use the most. I can’t help it! It just comes out naturally, as it really just fits in so well in a variety of circumstances - especially in a tricky situation when you want to show your sympathy but don’t know what to say…

I like and use so many of the SA slang words, but hectic, bru is probably my favourite. I’ll never forget an sms a friend once sent me, which really made me laugh. She said: I’m pregnant… Hectic, bru!

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3 Responses to “What is your favourite South African slang word?”

  1. Kerry says:

    Mine would have to be ‘lekker’, or ‘cool man’ not sure if the latter is typically South African though. While overseas I taught some friends and family some afrikaans slang, most of which I would not be able to repeat on Phuthu, but by the time I left, I had everyone saying ‘Ya’ instead of ‘Ye’. Which I think was quite an achievement. Little steps.

  2. Chris M says:

    Not really proud of this, but “ekse” is darn useful at times ;)

  3. Editor says:

    Heh heh, lekker and ekse are both classics although I don’t use ekse that much. But its funny how you can quickly get into a habit of saying a word when someone around you always uses it..


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