Common Local Phrases

Braai
A braai is a barbecue. South Africans love to braai. Fish, meat or chicken, we enjoy it best when it has been over the coals.
Biltong
Similar to jerky, it is dried meat. You may choose to enjoy it plain or lightly salted, or to have it spiced. Biltong is mostly made of beef, mutton and ostrich meat, however, South Africa also has a variety of game (springbok and kudu) biltong.
Eina
Widely used by all, this word, derived from the Afrikaans, means “ouch”. Pronounced “Aynah”.
Lekker
Also pronounced “lekka”. An Afrikaans word meaning nice, it is used to express approval. The connotation of the term implies more than just approval. It also implies enjoyment.
Robot
A robot is a traffic light.
Ag shame
What a pity. An expression of sympathy. Often used as sarcasm.
Cool drink
Canned or bottled soft drink.
Jislaaik
You don’t say. Used to express surprise or amazement.
Sharp
Means good or okay.
Sis
An expression of disgust. May mean “ugh” or “eewh”. Used to express an extreme dislike to something.
Eh
Pronounced as “hay”. Often used as an ending to sentences. For example; “Thanks, eh”.
Kwaai
Pronounced as “k-why”. Means great or terrific. Used to emphasise your agreement to something. For example; “That’s a kwaai car”.