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Nachtmaal

In the South African Dutch Reformed Church tradition, Nachtmaal (literally 'night meal') is the Afrikaans term for the Eucharist or Holy Communion.

ˈnæktsməl134 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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US-SOUTH
#1·Apr 28, 2026US-SOUTH

In the South African Dutch Reformed Church tradition, Nachtmaal (literally 'night meal') is the Afrikaans term for the Eucharist or Holy Communion. Historically, Nachtmaal was also a major social and religious gathering in Boer farm communities — held quarterly, it was one of the few occasions when isolated rural Afrikaner families came together, making it both a religious and community event.

The whole farm came to town for Nachtmaal and they hadn't all been together since the previous season.
Origin: From Afrikaans nacht (night) + maal (meal), a direct translation of 'Lord's Supper' or 'Eucharist.' Derived from Dutch Nachtmaal with the same meaning. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
For parents

Nachtmaal means: In the South African Dutch Reformed Church tradition, Nachtmaal is the Afrikaans term for the Eucharist or Holy Communion. Historically, Nachtmaal was also a major social and religious gathering in. The word is mostly archaic or historical; you will only encounter it in old texts, period drama, or school history rather than current teen conversation. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour.

For ESL learners

Nachtmaal means: In the South African Dutch Reformed Church tradition, Nachtmaal is the Afrikaans term for the Eucharist or Holy Communion. Historically, Nachtmaal was also a major social and. Register: informal, South African English. Often not understood outside its region; gloss the word on first use when writing for an international audience. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself.

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Global
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global

(South Africa) Eucharist.

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For specific readers

Nachtmaal means: In the South African Dutch Reformed Church tradition, Nachtmaal is the Afrikaans term for the Eucharist or Holy Communion. Historically, Nachtmaal was also a major social and religious gathering in. The word is mostly archaic or historical; you will only encounter it in old texts, period drama, or school history rather than current teen conversation. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour.

Why is this section here?

Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.

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