So incase you didn’t know when you’re living in community with 30+ people you start to pick up on each other lingo… plus South Africans have some weird slang that we picked up on too. Here are just some of the things we say on a daily basis, that honestly seem normal now, but you might not understand if I say next time we’re on the phone.
Toni
Definition- Melatonin
When it might be used- long bus rides
Example-
“I need to pop a toni”
Sho (this is one of the South African ones we picked up on)
Definition- sure/ right/ okay
When it might be used- when you’re in agreement with something/ someone
Example-
*takes a bite of really good tasting ice cream*
“shooo”
Nice tek
Definition- nice technique
When it might be used- if someone figures out a method to solve a problem (usually sarcastic)
Example-
*spreading out water all over the floor to make it dry faster*
Zooted (no its not what you think)
Definition- tired
When it might be used- after a long day of ministry or fun-filled adventure day
Example-
“yah girl’s zooted”
Boofed
Definition- farted
When it might be used- living in community there is always someone farting
Example-
“who boofed?”
SIC
Definition- “Sister in Christ”
When it might be used- hyping your sister up
Example-
“that’s my SIC!”
BIC
Definition- “Brother in Christ”
When it might be used- hyping your brother up
Example-
“your BIC could never”
Covenant
Definition- a commitment we were required to sign and say yes to before we could go on the world race
When it might be used- (most commonly used) when being overly dramatic when you physically touch someone (but its very versatile)
Example-
*gives high five to one of the boys*
“COVENANT!!”
I’m sick/ I’m scared
Definition- to be disgusted
When it might be used- when something grossed you out, or someone does something that makes you uncomfy
Example-
*excessive amounts of hair on your sock*
“i’m sick”
STUPID STUPID STUPID
Definition- when you do something dumb
When it might be used- when you mess up something that’s common sense
Example-
*wakes up early for ministry on an off day*
*hits own head repetitively* while saying “STUPID STUPID STUPID”
Shame (this is another South African one)
Definition- “that’s too bad”
When it might be used- when something unfortunate happens
Example-
*when there’s no more Oreos left in Fabi and Mabe’s jar…*
“aw shame”
It just makes sense
Definition- when something makes sense
When it might be used- when something adds up with other information you have
Example-
*Julia ran 4 miles today*
“that just makes sense”
Bein sweet
Origin- what Emma would say to her dog if he was being a good boy
When it might be used- if someone does a nice gesture for someone else (typically always done in the “rascal voice”
Example-
*Christine did all the left over dishes*
“awww Christines bein sweeettt”
I know you’re freakin lyin
Definition- when you think someone’s joking
When it might be used- when you don’t want to believe something to be true
Example-
*dinner isn’t gonna be ready till 8 tonight*
“i know you’re freakin lyin”
Hi (this one works best if smile and then squeeze those cheeks together)
Origin– what Moulder (one of our ministry hosts) said when he didn’t hear the question during hot seat
When it might be used- when someone/ or something looks awkward
Example-
*someones spacing out on the bus*
someone else- “hi”
Terry
Definition- a large, round stomach (Emma’s terry is the OG, love you emmer jo)
When it might be used- when you’ve eaten to much or just feel idk 12 pounds heavier one day!
Example-
*stands in front of the mirror*
“LOOK AT MY TERRY”
Rightttt
Definition- “yeah/ okay/ sure”
When it might be used- if someone says/does literally anything
Example-
*someones toenail just fell off*
“Rightttttt”
Warrior (this one is for Carol and Julia)
Origin- Emma eating a full bowl of cinnamon oatmeal
When it might be used- if someone does something that’s really not that big of a deal, they are a warrior
Example-
*unplugs the drain in the sink with food scraps in it”
they would be considered a warrior…
I’m jus gonna say it…/ …there I said it
Definition- when you say something bold/ controversial you either start it or end it with one of these phrases
When it might be used- When you think everyone around you is thinking the same thing but no one is saying it… orrrr you think no one is thinking the same thing but you feel convicted to state your mind…
Example- “I lost the volleyball, there I said it…”
MORE Gap A classics:
*singing literally everything we say*
*using the rascal voice (emma’s dog voice) when talking to a dog or a baby*
Bonus commonly used phrases that you hear all to often on The Race:
Do we get food money this weekend?
Did you hear where our layover is?
When’s team time?
Can we do a team nap for fun Friday?
Can you share the wifi password with me?
Are you wearing *oddly specific description of an article of clothing someone else has* today??? or can I wear it?!!
I need to write a blog.
Who’s on dishes tonight?
Who’s shirt is that?? or is that new? I haven’t seen it before… (this one happens alot lol cause we know every article of clothing each other owns)
We need one more person to go to the mall with us…
Can we use someones baby phone to call a taxi? (all the leaders get these old small phones with sims cards in them so they can make calls)
Do you have lice/a parasite?
Where’s the first place you’re gonna eat when you get home?
Do you have an international plan?
What day do we get back in the states?
Are the showers cold?
What kind of juice is that?
Oh crap, feedbacks tomorrow…
Nobody….
*The Maryland girls when we got to Ecuador…*
“THEY HAVE OLD BAY”
Lol thats most of it, hopefully if you have a friend, son/daughter, granddaughter/grandson, brother/sister, or just know someone on Gap A you’ll be able to understand this foreign language we’ve created a little bit better…
