Learning a new language can sometimes be a daunting task, but exploring the humorous side of Afrikaans can make it both enjoyable and unforgettable. Certain phrases and sayings capture the essence of a culture, and Afrikaans, a language rich in idioms and expressions, certainly doesn’t disappoint. Here are some humorous Afrikaans phrases and their meanings that are sure to tickle your funny bone.

Jou ou yster!
This saying translates to “Your old iron!” and is used to refer to someone who is a tough, strong person. It can be used either seriously or sarcastically.

Kyk hoe lyk Jan na die marathon – hy’s ‘n regte ou yster!

‘n Brak wat slaap, jag nie.
Directly translating to “A sleeping mongrel does not hunt,” this phrase means that you can’t achieve anything by sitting around and doing nothing.

As jy die werk regtig wil hê, moet jy aansoek doen – ‘n brak wat slaap, jag nie.

Hy skrik vir sy eie skaduwee.
Meaning “He is scared of his own shadow,” this phrase is used to describe a person who is extremely timid or easily frightened.

Moenie jou bekommer oor Pieter nie, hy skrik vir sy eie skaduwee.

Nou’s die poppe aan’t dans!
This translates as “Now the dolls are dancing!” and it’s an expression used when a situation has become chaotic or when there is trouble.

Toe die bestuurder uitvind van die fout, nou’s die poppe aan’t dans!

Hy praat met ‘n mond vol maroeka-kuite.
Literally, it means “He’s talking with a mouthful of marula knees,” but figuratively, it’s used when someone speaks incomprehensibly or mumbles their words.

Ek kan nie verstaan wat hy sê nie, hy praat met ‘n mond vol maroeka-kuite.

So skelm soos ‘n jakkals.
The phrase means “As sly as a fox” and is used to describe someone who is cunning or deceitful.

Pasop vir hom – hy’s so skelm soos ‘n jakkals.

Jy lieg soos ‘n tannetrekker.
This funny expression translates to “You lie like a dentist” and indicates that someone is telling an obvious or outrageous lie.

Almal weet jy was nie siek nie; jy lieg soos ‘n tannetrekker.

Hou jou bek en vreet jou koek.
It directly translates to “Keep your mouth shut and eat your cake,” which means that you should be enjoying what you have without making unnecessary or irritating comments.

Moenie kla oor die geskenk nie, hou jou bek en vreet jou koek.

So dors soos ‘n vis op droë grond.
The literal meaning is “As thirsty as a fish on dry land,” used to describe someone who is extremely thirsty.

Na die lang stap het ek gevoel so dors soos ‘n vis op droë grond.

Hy het meer foute as ‘n potlood sonder ‘n gum.
Meaning “He has more faults than a pencil without an eraser,” this expression humorously points out someone’s imperfections or mistakes.

Moet hom nie so oordeel nie; almal het foute, maar hy het meer foute as ‘n potlood sonder ‘n gum.

When learning Afrikaans, introducing yourself to these phrases not only helps you understand the humor and idiomatic expressions of the language, but also provides a window into the collective mindset and creativity of Afrikaans-speaking communities. So next time you find yourself in a conversation with an Afrikaans speaker, try slipping in one of these expressions for a bit of lighthearted fun!