The Journey Inward

Here is a list of my favorite sayings here in South Africa as I pass the 6 week mark.

Now, Just now, Now now: This can mean in a few minutes, within a few weeks or never. Example: I’ll be with you just now.

Hectic: Fun way to describe something out of the ordinary, unusual, way shy of hectic. Example: Oh! Hectic! in response to me saying I forgot to bring in the book I wanted to today.

Pleasure: You’re welcome or I was happy to or No problem. Example: Thank you for making those copies. Pleasure!

Shame: That’s disappointing or a shame. Example: The store was closed when I go there. Oh, shame!

Sharp! Sharp! This means many things, such as thank you, all good, goodbye, or okay. This one is a bit confusing. It also sounds like the person is saying Shop shop or Chop chop! Example: This is working really well now, thank you. Sharp! Sharp!

Howzit?: As predicted, this means How are you? or How’s it going?

Is it? This is a question, but it’s not. It’s more a statement or an !! in that little response text you can do. Example: I can’t believe the workshop is now an hour away and not here. Is it? (She already knew; she was agreeing)

Braii: a barbeque and social event.

Red Robot: red light. Robots are traffic lights.

Takkies: sneakers or running shoes

Biltong: Dried, cured meat, similar to beef jerky. A bit of a different flavor and texture.

Sorted: This can mean problem solved, we have what we need, or I’m good. Example: I’m all sorted and ready to go.

Hey? This is asked at the end of a sentence, sort of like Right? Example: You got your lunchbox from the classroom, hey?

It’s certainly what they say that is so captivating, but even more so it’s how they say it. The South African accent is so beautiful and charming and has been voted the sexiest accent in the world.

That’s all I can think of right now, but I wanted to make sure I documented them while they’re still a novelty!