Learning the lingo

We hope that the All Whites get to see this - a list of 40 South Africanisms compiled by Oliver Roberts of The Times in South Africa, many with pithy explanations. Having visited South Africa a number of times (but not for a while), many of them are familiar to us, but there were some new ones as well.

In particular, we liked these ones:

CAR GUARD: Found in most urban areas, a car guard's office is the parking lot. He keeps an eye on your car while you're at the match, in the mall or at the pub. You're expected to tip him when you return to your car and it hasn't been stolen or broken into. No. That's a lie. You'll be expected to tip him even if it has.

DAGGA: Again pronounced with a harsh "g". Marijuana. Illegal, but admittedly very easy to get hold if you're so inclined. Just ask your car guard.

EINA (AY-NA): Expression of pain, as in "ouch". Usage: "Ooh, looks like Rooney just shattered his pelvis. Eina!"

MY CHINA: Or just "China". An affectionate term similar to "boet". "Howzit China" is a standard South African greeting. Except when meeting an actual Chinese person. Then you probably shouldn't say it.

Great stuff! And a big thank you to Grant Michael McKenna, a refugee from the Republic who pointed us to this article via Facebook; lekker, my China!