BRAAI
What is a braai? It is the first thing you will be invited to when you visit South Africa. A braai is a backyard barbecue and it will take place whatever the weather. So you will have to go even if it's raining like mad and hang of a cold. At a braai you will be introduced to a substance known as mealiepap.
AG
This one of the most useful South African words. Pronounced like the ach in the German achtung, it can be used to start a reply when you are asked a tricky question, as in: Ag, I don't know." Or a sense of resignation: "Ag, I'll have some more pap then." It can stand alone too as a signal of irritation or of pleasure.
EINA
Widely used by all language groups, this word, derived from the Afrikaans, means "ouch." Pronounced "aynah", you can shout it out in sympathy when someone burns his finger on a hot potato at a braai.
HEY
Often used at the end of a sentence to emphasize the Importance of what has just been said, it can also stand alone as a question. Instead of saying excuse me? Or pardon? When you have not heard something directed at you, you can say: "Hey?"
ISIT
This is a great word in conversations. Derived from the two words is and it, it can be used when you have nothing to contribute if someone tells you at the braai: The Russians will succeed in their bid for capitalism once they adopt a work ethic and respect for private ownership. It is appropriate to respond by saying: "Isit?"
JISLAAIK
Pronounced Yis-like, it is an expression of astonishment. For instance, If someone tells you there are a billion people in China, A suitable comment is: Jislaaik, that's a hang of a lot of people, hey."
DOP
This word has two basic meanings, one good and one bad. The first good dop is a drink, a cocktail, a sundowner. Now the bad: To dop is to fail. If you dopped Standard Two (Grade 4) more than once, you probably won't be reading this.
BAKKIE
This word is pronounced "bucky" and it is a small truck or pick-up. Young men can take their "cherrie" (g/friend) to the drive-in flick in a bakkie but it is not always an appropriate form of transport because the seats usually don't recline and you may be forced to watch the film. This is never the purpose of going to a drive-in flick.
HOWZIT This is a universal South African greeting, and you will hear this word throughout the land. It is often used with the word "No" as in this exchange: "No, howzit?" "No fine."
NOW NOW
In much of the outside world, this is a comforting phrase: "Now now, don't cry-I'll take you to the bioscope tomorrow." But in South Africa, this phrase means a little sooner than soon: "I'll clean my room now now, Ma." It is a little more urgent than "just now" which means an indefinite time in the future.
BOET
This is an Afrikaans word meaning "brother" which is shared by all language groups. Pronounced "boot" as in "foot", it can be applied to a non-brother. For instance a father can call his son "boet" and friends can apply the term to each other too. Sometimes the diminutive "boetie" is used. But don't use either with someone you hardly know - it will be thought patronizing.
ROCK UP
To rock up some place is to just sort of arrive. You don't make an appointment or tell anyone you are coming -you just rock up. Friends can do that but you have to be selective about it.You can't just rock up for a job interview or at a five-star restaurant. You give them a tinkle first then you can rock up.
