Category: Languages
South African language, developed out of the Dutch spoken in the country since the first Dutch East India Company settlement in the Cape, established in 1652. Afrikaans was considered a dialect of Dutch – known as “Cape Dutch” – until recognised as a language in the late 19th century. From the Dutch for “African”.
Example
They forced us to do Afrikaans in high school.
Zulu is the most widely spoken home language in South Africa (about 24% of the population), and it is understood by over 50% of South African population.
Example
Zulu guys will hurt you big time.
Xhosa term derived from Mntakabawo which directly translates to "My dad's child". This term doesn't necessarily refer to someone you are related to. It can be used to refer to a friend or any random person.
Example
I'm so tired mntkbw.
Derived from Xhosa term "Andisenxile" which means I am so drunk. It is mostly used by girls on social to indicate that they've had too much to drink.
Can also be spelled as senxl.
Can also be spelled as senxl.
Example
Yho snxl kamnandi mntkbw.
Afrikaans is a Low Franconian West Germanic language descended from Dutch and spoken mainly in South Africa and Namibia.
Example
I would rather do an unprepared speech in Afrikaans that ukujola with you.
A popular Tswana/Sotho phrase on social media that means "I would scream". It's used as an expression when something shocking happens.
Example
Imagine if ISIS would come to South Africa. Yhuu nka screama gore.
A shortened version of "Undincamisile", a Xhosa term to express shock. Undincamisile can also mean "you have kissed me, you kissed me, s/he kissed me", which is not related to the definition we are talking about here.
Example
Girl 1: She has already moved on.
Girl 2: For real? It's only been 2 weeks.
Girl 1: Dead serious.
Girl 2: Ncmsl
Qlyv is a shortened version of "Ndiyaqala uyiva", a Xhosa term that means "it is my first time hearing about it".
Example
Girl 1: I hear you are dating Thabo.
Girl 2: Qlyv
Word used to express disbelief, surprise, dissatisfaction.
Example
Bathong, that's so crazy.
An informal way to say "babes", mostly used by Xhosa women when talking to each other or about each other.
Example
Yho beyps, the way I've been missing my Ben 10 these days.
© 2020 Africtionary®