Lekker. If you mention that you are traveling to South Africa, people will tell you about lekker (which means “great” or “awesome”), but there are other fun phrases and words to learn in colloquial South African (Afrikaans is a separate language, but some of these words, like lekker, come from there). Here are some of the phrases I heard and asked about with South Africans. (Other than vocabulary, there were some funny signs. I’ve used some throughout this blog posting).
Lekker: is “great” or “super” and is used frequently.
Braai: a barbecue, as in an event, a thing, etc.
Boma: a campfire meal gathering. Come from British Officers Mess Area.
Lanie: translates to fancy or posh (posh is pronounced “poache” like gauche)
It is not a train smash: it’s not a big deal.
Pleasure: used like an affirmation as in “it was a pleasure” but they use the word by itself.
Shame: can be used both as negative and positive. Like “oh really?”
Hectic: means bad.
Hish: also means it’s bad.
Now now: means it’s not happening now. In a while but not as soon as “just now.”
Just now: means that it will get done but not right now.
Yobo: an enthusiastic yes.
Robot: traffic light.
It’s a monkeys wedding: when the sun is out and it’s raining.
It’s such jol: it was a great time.
Howzit: how is it.
Biscuit: roundabout or traffic circle.
Cap/MCC: sparkling wine (cap classic).
Pudo: a post office box or receiving box like an Amazon box.li
Lip ice: lip balm.
