SA Slang
This word means "friend", "bro", or anyone you know.
What is bru
The first thing every South African checks before making supper during loadshedding.
What is the EskomSePush app
This person is traditionally expected to stand by the fire pretending they’re extremely busy.
What is the braai master
This vehicle can somehow fit 19 passengers, 4 school bags, and a speaker playing amapiano at full volume.
What is a minibus taxi or Toyota Quantam
This word is used in South Africa to mean “now now,” “later,” or “eventually,” depending entirely on tone and context.
What is ‘just now’
If someone says “just now” in South Africa, they usually mean this.
What is not immediately
This household item becomes worth more than gold during Stage 6+.
What is a power bank
The acceptable South African response when someone asks if you want another chop.
What is ‘sharp’
This fast-food chain is legendary for spicy chicken.
What is Nando's
This dessert, often served at braais, is made with apricot jam and cream.
What is malva pudding
This word means traffic lights.
What is robots
The national sport of unplugging this appliance before power returns.
What is the TV
This item mysteriously disappears first at almost every braai.
What is garlic bread
This weather event causes Capetonians to suddenly wear puffer jackets in summer.
What is the South-Easter or The Cape Doctor
This South African snack is dried meat usually eaten on road trips, hikes, and during sport games.
What is biltong
If someone says they are "gatvol", they are feeling this.
What is fed up
This phrase describes the emotional damage when power goes off 5 minutes before your food is done.
What is suffering
This is considered a crime: putting this sauce on a perfectly cooked steak.
What is tomato sauce/ketchup
This phrase describes stopping at a traffic light and instantly becoming a windshield cleaning target.
What is being at a robot
This Cape Town mountain is famous for its flat top.
What is Table Mountain
This phrase means something is excellent, exciting or delicous in the context of food.
What is lekker
This sound instantly causes panic during loadshedding.
What is the inverter or UPS beeping
The unofficial rule stating guests should never arrive empty-handed.
What is bringing meat/snacks/drinks
This national skill allows South Africans to identify which suburb someone is from based purely on accent.
What is talent
This phrase means traffic is moving so slowly you could probably walk faster.
What is ‘bumper-to-bumper traffic' or rush hour