Gauteng lingo - Common phrases only Gautengers understand
Planning to visit Gauteng? These are the words you need to know.
Gauteng is one of the most-populated provinces in South Africa. Scores of people flock to the province in the hope of securing better jobs and a better life.
For many dreamers, Johannesburg is the place to see those dreams materialise. After all, Johannesburg is called the 'City of Gold'. Many believe that's where the money lies.
In 2017, South Africa saw a 13 percent increase in international tourists visiting the country. Many international tourists used the Cape Town International or OR Tambo Airports to enter the country, and 1.9% flew in via King Shaka International Airport.
It goes without saying that to better enjoy and get the best from a place, it's important to understand the culture of that place and language plays a big role in culture.
We take a look at some of the common phrases found in Gauteng:
Ka Zaiya - I am leaving
Jumpers - Evening or later in the day
Snay- Stupid
Feder / Vede / Fida - How are you / What's up?
Wa Forstana - Do you understand?
Wa di jaja - Do you know or do you understand?
Jacket - R20
Tiger - R10
Babalas - A hangover
Bra - A male
China - A friend
Crash - Sleep
Dom/ Doff - Stupid
Kasie - A township
Majaja / mkokoto - Fake things
O Des / o blaene - Very good at something
Nyuko, zaka, machankura - Money
Medi - Girlfriend
Stele - I'm okay (used in a greeting)
Mamzere - Sweets
Scolana - Cold drink
Ke popile - It went well
Legasi - My relative
D'gwaile - I'm hungry
Mavhathi - Water
Gaolo - Food
Geleza - Study
NB: Because these are not official words found in the dictionary, others may spell them differently.