SA slang goes global: Oxford Dictionary adds local flavour
Yoh, it's official! The Oxford English Dictionary has given SA slang the nod, adding words like "gatvol", "yoh" and "sharp-sharp" to its pages.
South Africans, our unique slang has finally gotten the recognition it deserves, with the Oxford English Dictionary adding a slew of local words to its pages.
From "yoh" to "gatvol", "sharp-sharp" to "makarapa", our colourful language is now officially part of the global linguistic landscape.
For years, South Africans have been dropping these words and phrases into conversations, often to the confusion of non-locals. Now, thanks to the Oxford English Dictionary's latest update, we can simply tell them to "look it up in the dictionary".
The dictionary's additions include some of our most beloved slang terms. "Yoh", that versatile interjection that can express everything from surprise to admiration, has been traced back to 1855.
"Gatvol", the perfect word for being fed up, has its roots in Afrikaans and dates back to 1980.
Another notable addition is "makarapa", the iconic hard hat worn by miners and construction workers, now a symbol of team spirit among sports fans.
And then there's "sharp-sharp", a casual greeting that's become a staple of South African slang.
The Oxford English Dictionary's recognition of South African slang is a significant milestone for our language.
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