rugby
The Afrikaans word for rugby is rugby.
rugby refers to the form of football in which players hold or kick an ovoid ball.
Meaning: form of football in which players can hold or kick an ovoid ball (noun)
Did you know?
- In certain Afrikaans-speaking communities, the term might be linked to a sense of 'struggle' or 'resistance' due to the historical political context of the sport in South Africa. The word can evoke emotions far beyond a simple game.
- While the word is spelled exactly like the English version, the Afrikaans pronunciation of rugby typically features a distinct, shorter vowel sound.
- Afrikaans sports commentary is famous for creating vivid, descriptive slang for rugby actions that do not exist in standard English.
Examples in context
- Ek is mal oor rugbyI am crazy about rugby
- Rugby is my gunsteling sportRugby is my favorite sport
- Waar speel jy rugby?Where do you play rugby?
- Wie is jou gunsteling rugbyspeler?Who is your favorite rugby player?
- Wat dink jy van die laaste rugbywedstryd?What do you think of the last rugby match?
- Ek hou baie van rugby.I like rugby very much.
- Ons gaan rugby kyk.We are going to watch rugby.
- Hy speel rugby op Saterdag.He plays rugby on Saturday.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their weekend plans.
- AndriesGaan jy rugby kyk?Are you going to watch rugby?
- LiezelJa, ek is 'n groot rugby-aanhanger.Yes, I am a big rugby fan.
- AndriesEk hoop jou span wen.I hope your team wins.
- LiezelDankie, Andries.Thank you, Andries.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rugby” translations and entries rugby, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
