SLANG WORDS

The way people talk in North Carolina reflects the state’s Southern roots and strong local identity. Whether it’s a casual “y’all,” a mention of “’cue,” or pride in being a “Tar Heel,” these expressions capture everyday life and culture in the state.

Lost in Translation?

Robot → Traffic Light
Jersey → Sweater
Boot (of the car) → Trunk
Bonnet (of the car) → Hood
Petrol → Gas
Petrol Station (the store included) → Convenience store
Till → Register / Checkout
Cashier / Till lady → Clerk / Cashier
Chemist → Pharmacy / Drugstore
Circle / Robot circle → Roundabout
Bakkie → Pickup Truck
Braai → Barbecue (’Cue in NC)
Pavement → Sidewalk
Takkies → Sneakers
Costume → Swimsuit / Bathing suit
Dressing gown → Bathrobe
Nappy → Diaper
Dummy → Pacifier
Torch → Flashlight
Dustbin → Trash can
Takeaway → Takeout / To-go
Bill → Check
Serviette → Napkin
Cooldrink → Soda
Sweets → Candy
Biscuits → Cookies
Crisps → Chips / Potato Chips
Slap chips → Fries
Pudding → Dessert
Tomato sauce → Ketchup
Just now → Soon / Later (in NC, “just now” = immediately)
Now-now → Right away / In a moment
Howzit? → How y’all doin’?
Lekker → Awesome / Great
Ja → Yeah / Yep
Bru / China / Chommie → Dude / Buddy
Shame (endearment) → Bless your heart (tone matters!)
Garden → Yard
Lapa → Patio / Outdoor shelter
Wilds / Game reserve → State park / Wildlife reserve
Grade R → Kindergarten
Grade 1 → First grade
Marks → Grades
Matric → Senior year / High school diploma
Varsity → College / University
CV → Résumé
Coins → Change
Notes → Bills
EFT → Bank transfer
Lifts → Elevator

Everyday Southern Sayings

Y'all
- Meaning: you all, everyone
- Example: Y'all coming to the party?
Howdy
- Meaning: A greeting like hi or hello
- Example: Howdy, neighbor!
Bless your heart
- Meaning: Showing sympathy or politely criticizing
- Example: You're sick? Bless your heart. / You tried real hard, bless your heart.
Ain't
- Meaning: Is not / are not / am not / has not
- Example: She ain't here yet.
Over yonder
- Meaning: Over there
- Example: The store's over yonder.
Ugly
- Meaning: Mean or rude
- Example: Don't be ugly (don't be rude).
Bless it
- Meaning: Expressing frustration or surprise
- Example: Bless it, I forgot my keys!
Plain as day
- Meaning: Very obvious
- Example: It's plain as day he's lying.
Fixin' to
- Meaning: About to do something
- Example: I'm fixin' to head to work.
Catawampus
- Meaning: Crooked, messy or out of order
- Example: The bookshelf was all catawampus after the kids bumped into it.

Food and drink

Coke
- Meaning: Any soda, not just Coca-Cola
- Example: Want a coke? (Could be Sprite, Pepsi etc).
Cue
- Meaning: Short for Barbecue, or braai
- Example: We're having a 'cue this weekend.
Sweet tea
- Meaning: Iced tea brewed with lots of sugar, a staple in NC
- Example: You want sweet tea with your meal?
Bo Time
- Meaning: Eating Bojangles' fried chicken and biscuits.
- Example: It's Bo Time! (Let's go eat Bojangles').
Slaw
- Meaning: Short for coleslaw
- Example: Want slaw on your sandwich?
Peach Cobbler
- Meaning: A baked peach dessert
- Example: She brought peach cobbler to the church dinner.
'Nanner Puddin'
- Meaning: Classic Southern dessert with bananas, vanilla pudding and cookies
- Example: Grandma makes the best 'nanner puddin'!
The Hot Light
- Meaning: Krispy Kreme reference - when the "Hot Now" neon light is on, fresh doughnuts are ready.
- Example: The hot light's on - let's get some doughnuts!

Regional and local flavor

Buggy
- Meaning: Shopping trolley in a grocery store
- Example: Get a buggy for the groceries.
The Triangle
- Meaning: Refers to Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill (Research Triangle)
The Triad
- Meaning: Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point area
OBX
- Meaning: Shorthand for the Outer Banks, NC’s famous coastal islands
Tar Heel
- Meaning: A nickname for North Carolinians and especially UNC fans
Heels, Pack, or Devils
- Meaning: Shortened sports talk for UNC Tar Heels, NC State Wolfpack, and Duke Blue Devils
Friday Night Lights
- Meaning: Refers to high school football games, a big part of community life