Bergie

A derogatory term, originally referred to homeless people who sheltered in the forests of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. It’s now a derogatory word for homeless people in general.


He left home now he is a bergie.



Atchar

A spicy relish of Indian origin, much like a mix between chutney and a pickle and usually made from green mangoes.


I eat everything with atchar 🤞🏽



Apartheid

Literally means “apartness” in Afrikaans, apartheid was the policy of racial segregation implemented by the South African National Party from 1948 to 1994, resulting in the oppression and labour exploitation of South Africa’s black majority, and their systematic exclusion from the country’s mainstream economic, educational and social life.


The struggles of black people we see today is the legacy of the apartheid regime.



Amasi

A Xhosa and Zulu term for thick curdled milk, also known as maas; similar to yoghurt. A traditional drink, amasi is now produced commercially.


Xhosa people would choose amasi over meat.



Ag

(exclamation) – Expression of frustration, outrage, impatience or resignation.


Ag no! I spilled coffee on my keyboard again!



Afrikaans

South African language, developed out of the Dutch spoken in the country since the first Dutch East India Company settlement in the Cape, established in 1652. Afrikaans was considered a dialect of Dutch – known as “Cape Dutch” – until recognised as a language in the late 19th century. From the Dutch for “African”.


They forced us to do Afrikaans in high school.



Umkhwetha

A young Xhosa man being initiated into manhood at initiation school.
Plural is abakhwetha.


He is scarce on facebook because ngumkhwetha.



Iceboy

An iceboy / ice boy is a broke guy who drinks with guys who have money (usually guys he grew up with). They send him around to buy ice, open the beers for them and do all crazy things because he does not contribute financially.


Don't be fooled by all that alcohol he is carrying, he is just an iceboy and not the moreki.



Dumpie

A dumpie is a term that refers to a 340ml beer or cider.


I prefer drinking dumpie over a ngudu.



Habiya

Another Xhosa term for vamna - which means a love portion given to your lover to make you love more.


"Ndingayitya nephepha layo lo habiya" - Driemanskap




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