South Africa Celebrates Linguistic Victory with Latest OED Update

The Oxford English Dictionary has added a collection of South African words and phrases, such as “yoh,” “gatvol,” and “makarapa,” acknowledging the rich cultural tapestry of the nation and its vibrant language.

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) has recently expanded its lexicon to incorporate a variety of South African words, celebrating the nation’s unique cultural expressions. This update has generated excitement, as it features terms that capture the essence of South African life and identity. For instance, the expression, "Yoh! I'm so gatvol of this tjoekie and need a zol to handle these moggy people," illustrates typical sentiments where traditional English fails to convey the full meaning.

The OED describes its new additions as "loan words" that cannot be easily translated into other languages, a feature that reflects South Africa's diversity with its 12 official languages. Among the newly included terms are:

- **Yoh**: An exclamation traced back to 1855, derived from Afrikaans and isiXhosa, used to express a wide range of emotions such as surprise or shock.
- **Gatvol**: Originating from Afrikaans, this popular term signifies extreme annoyance or frustration, becoming part of the colloquial South African vernacular since 1980.
- **Tjoekie**: A term for prison that comes from an Afrikaans phrase, first documented in 1977.
- **Makarapa**: Initially a term for hard hats worn by construction workers, it has transformed into a colorful symbol of sports fandom since 1999.
- **Zol**: Slang for marijuana, denoting either the drug itself or a hand-rolled cigarette containing it.
- **Moggy**: A descriptor for individuals deemed irrational, appearing in South African English since 1984.
- **Sharp-sharp**: Emerging in 1991, this phrase is used for casual greetings or compliments.

This recognition by the OED emphasizes the vibrant linguistic landscape of South Africa, illustrating how cultural practices and social dynamics unique to the region have shaped its language. For those interested in exploring the full list of words added from around the globe, the OED's website features a comprehensive compilation of these new entries.