Planning a South African braai? For those who really want to throw themselves into things why not try out some of these braai terms for that extra bit of authenticity?
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Dop – This is used to indicate a drink, usually alcoholic – use this term to offer a friend a drink at your Braai - “Can I pour you a dop?”
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Dinges – Used when someone can’t immediately remember the name of a person or object. For instance at your barbecue say: “Please pass the dinges” – it may cause confusion but will make for an authentic Braai.
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Kos – (pronounced kor-ss) The Afrikaans word for food. For example. "Jislaaik, what lekker kos.” –or "wow! This is nice food."
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Lekker – (pronounced likk-irr with rolling r) Afrikaans word meaning nice –mainly used to refer to food.
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Rock up – To arrive somewhere unannounced, e.g. at a casual barbecue encourage friends to Rock Up – ensure there’s plenty of ‘lekker kos’ for everyone.
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Jislaaik (pronounced yis-like) – This is an expression of surprise. For example - "Jislaaik, I can’t believe I won the national lottery."
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Windgat – This means a show off. Taken from the Afrikaans it literally means “wind hole” from ‘to blow one’s own trumpet’. E.g. – "My husband turns into such a windgat when he is looking after the barbecue."
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Babbelas (pronounced bub-buh-luss) – Babbelas refers to a hangover – Advise a friend politely - "Don’t drop too many beers bru, you’ll end up with a babbelas”.
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Bru/Doll (pronounced brew) – A term of affection used among men, meaning "brother". An example would be "Hey, my bru, howzit?" - female equivalent is ‘doll’ for example, “Hey doll, please pass the ketchup."
