You know you’re South African

You know you’re South African when… [Part 1]

It’s true that Saffas are rather unique, and just like every other nation we are known for certain things, things we say or do, but it’s different when you can admit what makes you a true South African. Here is the first half of sixty things that make us proudly South African.

You know you’re South African

You get asked why you’re white.

You dance and sing in front of your offices to show how unhappy you are.

Your basic education as a child came from a Chappies wrapper.

chappie

You know someone who knows someone who has met Nelson Mandela.

You produce a R100 note instead of your driver’s licence when stopped by a traffic officer.

You know the rules of rugby better than any referee (even if you’re not an avid supporter – it’s in your blood).

Nelson Mandela is your hero.

nelson

You start every sentence with ja/nee.

Travelling at 120 km/h, you’re the slowest vehicle on the freeway.

You put “man” at the end of most sentences.

You call a bathing suit a cozzie.

You understand that “Aweh” or “Howzit” means hello.

“Now now” or “just now” can mean anything from a minute to a month, and you know the difference between now, now now, just now and later.

You call your car trunk a boot, and the hood is a bonnet.

Anything below 16ËšC is arctic weather.

You love iced Zoo biscuits and Jolly Jammers.

Zoo

You call an elevator a lift.

You call a traffic light a robot.

robot

You have braais because BBQ is a chip flavour.

You call crisps, chips.

When you’re hungover you need the green ambulance (Crème Soda)

creme soday

You say “Ja, no, definitely.”

Goldfish isn’t necessarily a fish.

You don’t own sneakers, you own takkies.

You know “cheers” means goodbye.

Foreigners are truly surprised and/or disappointed upon learning you only have a dog (as opposed to a lion) for a pet

lion3

Everything is described as “lekker”.

It’s not ketchup… it’s tomato sauce.

You call a van, a combie, and a pick-up truck, a bakkie.

Fruit goes vrot, not rotten.

Read more: You know you’re South African when… [Part 2]