A Facebook friend recently posted about actor / rapper / writer Lin-Manuel Miranda Tweeting about the word “spookasem” this week. Miranda was chuffed to find out that the direct translation for this was “ghost breath”.
https://twitter.com/Lin_Manuel/status/824931085884731392
That direct translation – and the subsequent thread on said friend’s wall – got me thinking about some other words that just translate so wonderfully hilariously. Afrikaans sayings are often so very literal.
Note: not all of these words are official translations and not all of them are commonly used. Many are slang words. Chances are if you mention them to your parents or grandparents, they’d have heard of them.
Vroeteldoos
Direct translation: fiddlebox
Actual meaning: cubbyhole
Koggelmannetjie
Direct translation: teasing little man
Actual meaning: a sort of lizard, usually an agama
Trapsuutjie
Direct translation: step softly
Actual meaning: chameleon
Skouervlieg
Direction translation: shoulder fly
Actual meaning: backseat driver
Knaterflater
Direction translation: balls failure
Actual meaning: balls up
Rondkyktwak
Direct translation: look around tobacco
Actual meaning: weed
Brakkie sakkie / woefkardoes
Direct translation: doggie bag
Actual meaning: Same
Pletterpet
Direction translation: falling hat
Actual meaning: helmet
Rymkletser
Direction translation: rhyme speaker
Actual meaning: rapper
Papier vampier
Direction translation: paper vampire
Actual meaning: stapler
Springmielies
Direct translation: Jumping corn
Actual meaning: popcorn
Papbroek
Direct translation: flat pants
Actual meaning: coward
Kattekwaad
Direct translation: kitten anger
Actual meaning: getting up to no good
*Source: www.thesouthafrican.com