It’s almost 4:00 in the afternoon over here in sunny South Africa, and this girl doesn’t have just so much to say today. So, in honor of NaBloPoMo, I’ll share with you some Afrikaans words that I find to be quite funny. It’s a very descriptive language, so sometimes direct translations can be pretty entertaining- with the animal names taking the cake. Enjoy!
Afrikaans Word: Ystervark
Direct Translation: Iron Pig
English Word: Porcupine
Afrikaans Word: Jagluiperd
Direct Translation: Hunting Lazy Horse
English Word: Cheetah
Afrikaans Word: Kameelperd
Direct Translation: Camel Horse
English Word: Giraffe
Afrikaans Word: Muishond
Direct Translation: Mouse Dog
English Word: Mongoose
Afrikaans Word: Stinkmuishond
Direct Translation: Stinking Mouse Dog
English Word: Skunk
Afrikaans Word: Vlêrmuis
Direct Translation: Flying Mouse
English Word: Bat
Afrikaans Word: Skoenlapper
Direct Translation: Flapping Shoe
English Word: Butterfly
Afrikaans Word: Vlakvark
Direct Translation: Shallow Pig
English Word: Warthog
Afrikaans Word: Seekoei
Direct Translation: Sea Cow
English Word: Hippo
Afrikaans Word: Rooibok
Direct Translation: Red Buck
English Word: Impala
Dühring Life 