Imagine being in first year and an international student at the same time. In a country like South Africa, with eleven official languages, it can be tough knowing all the lingo. Diversity is what makes South Africa the beautiful country it is.

Here is a quick list of some of the more common South African words you will hear.

1. Braai- The outdoor tradition of cooking meat on a fire. This is chance for friends and families to get together and do nothing but eat some seriously good chow. South Africans have a braai to celebrate everything. In fact we even have a day dedicated to braaing called “National Braai Day”. Students also celebrate 'Pens-Down' with a braai. Pens-Down is where a student celebrates the ending of their semester exams. Remember the person with the braai tongs in hand is in charge. Do not interfere with his craftsmanship, open his beers and tell him in advance how well you like your meat cooked.

2. Howzit- This is a South African way of saying Hi.

3. Ag- This is mostly used to show that you're irritated; it usually goes hand in hand with rolling your eyes. This word is sometimes followed by “bliksem”, especially when hitting your toe or slamming your finger in a door.

4. Spaza- This is a basic supply store mostly found in townships.

5. Dankie- Used for saying 'thank you', it is pronounced dunkey.

6. Toyi-Toyi- It is impossible to leave South Africa without knowing this word. South Africans toyi-toyi for almost everything, poor service delivery is one of the reasons for embarking on a toyi-toyi. It simply means militant dance or protest.

7. Aikona- A Zulu response to something unbelievable. It kind of like 'No Way'.

8. Tsotsi- With the level of crime we have in South Africa, I doubt any international student or a tourist for that matter can leave this country without knowing the exact meaning of this word. It is Zulu for gangster.

9. Babalas- the feeling the morning after a big night. If you have a headache want to be sick or the sun is to bright then you are suffering from a sever Babalas.

10. Egoli- A Zulu word for Gauteng Province.

To find more words people are using and what they mean go to http://sastreetdictionary.co.za/

 

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