In South Africa we love the diminutive and the shortened word as much as the next far-flung English-speaking country – arvie for afternoon, mozzie for mosquito, and so forth.
A recent video by Australian friends Josh and Rhys explains “How to Speak Australian – Abbreviate Everything” (see video below) that strikes the same note. Many of the words will be familiar to South Africans – the same way Ozzies say Straya for Australia, we sometimes say EssAy or Seffrica for South Africa.
Here are some of our favourite South African abbreviations or shorthand:
- Chum/Pal/Mate/Friend – Bru
- Bushveld – Bush
- Headscarf – Doek
- Durban – Durbs
- Johannesburg – Joburg – Jozi
- Cool/neat/fabulous/wicked/great/wonderful – Kiff
- Marijuana – Boom/Dagga
- How are you? – Howzit?
- Have fun – Jol
- Expert – Fundi
- Nice/happy/good/fine/well – Lekker
- Medicine/something you take to feel better – Muti
- Porridge – Pap
- Lots of – Lank
- Rooibos – Bossies
- Sandwich – Sarmie
- Soft, oily french fries – Slap chips
- Ugly and disgusting – Siff
- Is that so? – Izzit?
- Rotten – Vrot/Miff
- Money – Tom
- Flip flops – Slops
- Stupid – Dof
- Study – Swat
- Eat – Graze
- Drink something alcoholic – Dop
- Never! That’s unbelievable! You’re joking! – Nooit!
