Welcome back, fellow bookworms!
It’s been a long long time since I’ve written anything South African related, but since we won the Rugby World Cup and our Miss South Africa was crowned Miss Universe, I thought I would do a post about my country!
Eish:
This one’s pretty easy, since everyone can easily pronounce this. It’s a word derived from Xhosa and my best friend uses this word in almost every second sentence. It’s fun to use since it can express almost every emotion (anger, happy, shock, etc. )
E.g. “I dropped my phone and the screen cracked,” she said.
“Eish,” I said. “Can you get it fixed?”
Lekker:
This is an Afrikaans word and it can mean nice or delicious. I use this word a lot, maybe even too much.
“That’s a lekker pizza!” he said.
Ai Ja Jai:
I use this phrase a lot too. It can be used to show that you are resigned or disappointed.
It’s pronounced aai (Like I am eating) – yah-yaai
“I lost my book again.”
“Ai ja jai,” I said, shaking my head.
Sjoe:
It can be an expression of shock or awe. It’s pronounced like the word shoe.
“I won the competition!”
“Sjoe! Congratulations!”
Braai:
It’s like a barbecue, only so much better!
“What are you doing this weekend?
” We’re having a braai!”
Bakkie:
A utility or pick-up truck. But why call it those words when you can just call it a bakkie?
Pronounced bah-key.
What type of vehicle are you going to buy next? “
” I’m thinking of buying myself a bakkie.”
Eina:
The Afrikaans word for ouch and is pronounced “ay-nah” .
“Eina! A papercut!”
Siesa:
An expression of disgust I use I lot, now that I think about it. It’s pronounced see-sah
“Let me show you my dirty tissue,” the little girl said.
“No! Siesa!”
That’s it!
What do you think of some of my slang words? I doubt you’ll want to start using them!
I’m proud to announce that I’ve gotten Instagram and I’ve started my own Bookstagram! If you have some time, please go check it out and follow me!
Till we meet again!
Xx Alexia
Right Writing Words 