Planning to visit Gauteng or Durban soon? These are the words you need to know before making the trip.
The cities within Gauteng and KZN’s Durban are extremely attractive destinations for many South Africans. Scores of people flock to these places in the hope of securing better jobs and a better life, while they are also popular for vacations.
In 2017, South Africa saw a 13 percent increase in international tourists visiting the country. Although many international tourists used the Cape Town International or OR Tambo Airports to enter the country, 1.9% flew in via King Shaka International Airport.
For many dreamers, Johannesburg is the place to see those dreams materialise. After all, Johannesburg is called the ‘City of Gold’! Many believe that’s where the money lies.
But it goes without saying that to better enjoy and get the best out a place, it’s important to understand the culture of that place – and language plays a big role in culture.
Gauteng is one of the most multi-lingual provinces in the country. People from different races reside in Gauteng, so the diversity of language is rather large.
We take a look at some of the common phrases found in Gauteng:
Ka Zaiya – I am leaving
Jumpers – Evening or later in the day
Snay- Stupid
Feder / Vede / Fida – How are you / What’s up?
Wa Forstana – Do you understand?
Wa di jaja – Do you know or do you understand?
Jacket – R20
Tiger – R10
Babalas – A hangover
Bra – A male
China – A friend
Crash – Sleep
Dom/ Doff – Stupid
Kasie – A township
Majaja / mkokoto – Fake things
O Des / o blaene – Very good at something
Nyuko, zaka, machankura – Money
Medi – Girlfriend
Stele – I’m okay (used in a greeting)
Mamzere – Sweets
Scolana – Cold drink
Ke popile – It went well
Legasi – My relative
D’gwaile – I’m hungry
Mavhathi – Water
Gaolo – Food
Geleza – Study
Durban is a place that many love to visit during the holiday season. This is because of the many attractions, including the beach, that Durban has.
If you are planning to visit Durban, you better farmiliarise yourself with these phrases:
Kerel – Police man
Choon – Talk
Pozie – House or home
Vrou – My wife
Cherrie – Girlfriend
Guzzie – Friend
Slaan – Wear
Crown – Money
Cake – Idiot
Lukka – Nice “Lukka, meet up bra”.
Vy – Go (Let’s go)
Ballie – Old man
Dala (dhala) – Fight or to do something e.g ‘Dala what you must” means do what you must – which is usually said before a fight.
Shot – Thanks e.g. shot bra
Bra / bruh – friend
Boet – Brother / friend
Ou – Nice person (He’s a lukka ou – he’s a nice person), another example (I’m vying pozi to tune with my bra. He’s a lukka ou’ – I’m going home to talk with a friend. He’s a good friend of mine’.
Lytie or laaitie – Little boy
Submissions from a few East Coast fans:
Sick dude – That’s cool dude
What’s up, G – How you doing, mate?
Nort Bru – No mate
Vaai from here – Go away from here
Catch a hiding – Get a slap/beating
Catch a Tightie – Get a slap
NB: Because these are not official words found in the dictionary, others may spell them differently.