What should visitors to South Africa at all costs avoid saying to a South African?

Question

I'm South African myself but think your answers may be LIFESAVING tips to potential visitors. Go for it, Guys! (If you're afraid your answer will be banned by the website, use Afrikaans - I'll do the translation...)

To Nick C: The "n" word have never really been used in SA, rather the "k" word. Both are bad and uacceptable though and the latter may get you killed.

To Robin: Sure, mate. Enjoy the cricket.

Where do you live Fraz? Surely you won't make that mistake when IN SA. Afrikaans does sound a little like German, I guess...

To Executioner: Never heard the expression "pink-foot" in South Africa.

True, Gunner.Specially not during the Super 14 or Tri-nations.

Good info, Barney. Should get your answer published somewhere in a travel guide to SA.

You're spot on there Pleasantflower. I grew up in a "heavy" Afrikaans town. Those remarks will step on a few ooms and tannies' toes. Guess these days everybody who's not a Bull are their arch enemies. Many answers seem to revolve around rugby.

Answer 1

Don't walk around in Cape Town asking were is the Loftus Rugby Stadium {Blue Bulls}

Don't walk around Oranjë asking were is the Oliver Tamba Airport.

Don't walk around Pretoria asking the locals about the Stormers Rugby Team.

Don't go walking around South Africa tell everyone that braai vleis sucks

Don't go walking into a local pub and asking the barman to change the TV channel to soccer, while the Boks are playing.

Don't go walking around telling everybody that Biltong is disgusting.

Don't go walking around the Free State telling people Robbie Wessels {Leeu Loop} is a clown.

Answer 2

Barney has such a good answer! But I'd have to say that you shouldn't walk around Durban asking if they support the Blue Bulls! Don't go to a heavy Afrikaans town saying that Afrikaans music is a load of sh*t and that everything in the TuisNywerheid is rubbish! Sorry about the spelling there!

Answer 3

You guys are so traditional having a witchdoctor as minister of health.

The last time that the most sophisticated civilisation was in Africa was during the bronze age. The african renaissance thing is taking you right back there.

Thank god for slavery - only works when said by African Americans

I love your vegimite.

Castle tastes like dirty dishwashing water.

I really love your president Robert Mugabe.

To hell with watching cricket or rugby on tv let's watch the international croquet finals.

Answer 4

Hi vango, I'm from Scotland listening to The Ashes and was looking forward to going through the list of Answers, but so far there's been no responses. Perhaps it's too early in the morning there in SA. Will look in later.....

Answer 5

i'm with Alf and Porgie yet i could by no skill discourage anyone from leaving, that's whether a perplexing concern to do and that i could somewhat propose which you provide your self a time scale and a appropriate plan so as which you will say returning after a definite volume of time. you could constantly substitute this down the line yet so as to help your self get acclimatised the place you pass only set your self a time line. Oh and undergo in innovations in case you're shifting to an English speaking usa its no longer constantly at modern-day obvious, yet they're foreigner and you could desire to income approximately their straightforward strategies to grow to be popular into their society. you are the outsider.

Answer 6

Don`t call anyone "Boy" if they`re black African.
Don`t refer to them as "Pink-foot" - a one-time work-colleague of mine FROM SA used that term here in the UK - suffice it to say he needed medical assistance.

Answer 7

white or black south african? every time i have met a white south african i keep asking if they are german?

Answer 8

Thabo, when you've done the lawn you can start on the hedges.

Go Lions/Wallabies go!

Answer 9

" There sure are alot of n*****s around here."