“I know one tappet like that” – Exploring a South African stereotype

The word “tappet” – used to refer to a person or their behaviour or culture – doesn’t have quite the same cachet as that which has been ascribed to “zef” in the last decade and a half. While similar to “zef,” unlike that term, “tappet” is not (yet?) one which people use to construct a self-identity. Initially a designation for petrolkoppe, the targets of the derision involved in the use of the term also include social class, ethnic or language background, and levels of intelligence or social sophistication.

“So paraat he stands at attention all night.” — Persistence/Heritage 2.3

Afrikaans military slang from the bad old days of the 80s. The communists were on our doorstep, after all. A historical lexicographic treatment of the word in English in South Africa

“Papgeld. Bolova please pay maintenance.” — Persistence/Heritage 2.1

The world over, baby daddies may suddenly get all shy when it's time to go beyond just talking about papgeld. A historical lexicographic treatment of the word in English in South Africa

Some daylight on the use of “zol” as a verb in South African English—it’s a bit older than we might think…

“Zol” has a long history in South African English. It’s recent use as a verb seems to have taken people by surprise. Though scant, there is evidence that 2020 was not the first time this occurred—and there are suggestions that it may have been around even longer

Talking back (1)—A short lexicon of contemporary English-language Black South African English

South African English is increasingly sourcing words not only from indigenous African languages but also via Black South African English, one of its sub-varieties. This GQOM article examines lexical items from this sub-variety, specifically English-language words and phrases, presenting entries with citational evidence and discussing the origins and use of some of the lesser known items. As the demographics of English first-language use changes, how black South Africans use English is becoming increasingly important in SA English lexicography. Indeed, if it is not yet the case, it is clear that black South Africans will soon constitute the largest group of first-language English speakers in the country. Examples of the items included here are black tax, cheese boy, half tiger, last of last, next of next, sharp, short boy, stop nonsense, vernac, and what what.