skat
/skat/
In Afrikaans, the English phrase 'babe' is translated as skat.
The term skat can be used to refer to an attractive person or as a term of endearment for a loved one.
Meaning: attractive person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word skat literally means 'treasure'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
skat is an informal term of endearment for a romantic partner, similar to 'babe' or 'honey' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
/skat/
Did you know?
- The word skat comes from the Proto-Germanic word *skattaz, which originally referred to a payment or tribute.
- The word skat is also used as a verb meaning 'to estimate' or 'to value'.
- Afrikaans speakers may use skatjie, adding a diminutive suffix to make the word sound even smaller and cuter.
Example conversation
Nicola and Andries are at a party.
- NicolaKyk, Andries, daardie ou is 'n skat.Look, Andries, that guy is a babe.
- AndriesJa, hy is baie aantreklik.Yes, he is very attractive.
- NicolaEk wonder wie hy is.I wonder who he is.
- AndriesEk weet nie, Nicola.I don't know, Nicola.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry skat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries skat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
