Durban lingo: Common phrases only Durbanites understand

Durban is one of the biggest tourist attractions in South Africa. Scores of people flock to the city annually, especially during the holiday season.

In 2017, South Africa saw a 13 percent increase in international tourists visiting the country. Although many international tourists used the Cape Town International or OR Tambo Airports to enter the country, 1.9% flew in via King Shaka International Airport.  

It goes without saying that to better enjoy and get the best from a place, it's important to understand the culture of that place and language plays a big role in culture. 

If you are planning on visiting Durban, let's look at some of the phrases you need to learn: 

Kerel – Police man

Choon - Talk

Pozie – House or home

Vrou – My wife

Cherrie - Girlfriend

Guzzie - Friend

Slaan - Wear

Crown – Money

Cake – Idiot

Lukka - Nice "Lukka, meet up bra". 

Vy - Go (Let's go)

Ballie - Old man

Dala (dhala) - Fight or to do something e.g 'Dala what you must" means 'do what you must' - which is usually said before a fight.

Shot - Thanks e.g. shot bra

Bra / bruh - friend

Boet - Brother / friend

Ou - Nice person (he's a lukka ou - he's a nice person), another example (I'm vying pozi to tune with my bra. He's a lukka ou' - I'm going home to talk with a friend. He's a good friend of mine'.

Lytie or laaitie - Little boy

Submissions from a few East Coast fans:

Sick dude - That’s cool dude

What’s up, G - How you doing, mate?

Nort Bru - No mate

NB: Because these are not official words found in the dictionary, others may spell them differently.