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boetie

South African and Zimbabwean informal term meaning brother or, more broadly, any friendly male of the same social group — a mate or fellow.

ˈboʊti190 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

South African and Zimbabwean informal term meaning brother or, more broadly, any friendly male of the same social group — a mate or fellow. Borrowed from Afrikaans, the word is widely used across South Africa's racial and linguistic communities in casual speech. It carries a warm, familiar tone.

'Hey boetie, can you give me a hand with this?' he called across the yard.
Origin: From Afrikaans 'boetie' (little brother), diminutive of 'broer' (brother); widely used in South African and Zimbabwean informal English. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(South Africa)(Zimbabwe) man, fellow.

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#3·Apr 27, 2026

(South Africa)(Zimbabwe) brother.

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