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Grootman

NOUN

Pronounced:

/GROH-t/ (with the ‘r’ being slightly rolled)

/Mahn/ (say the ‘a’ as you would with ‘March”) /

Compound: groot + man

MEANING OF GROOTMAN

The term “Grootman” is a widely used, colloquial word, primarily in Coloured and Black South African communities, derived from Afrikaans, literally translating to “big man.”

However, its meaning extends far beyond the literal translation. A “Grootman” is a term of respect and acknowledgement, typically referring to an older man or a man of standing, authority, or influence within a community or social circle.

It often signifies someone who is responsible, successful, knowledgeable, or street-smart. Younger people often use it to address or refer to an older mentor, a respected elder, or someone they look up to for advice, guidance, or simply because they are older. Using the term implies deference and recognition of the person’s status or maturity.

Grootman Uses in the Media:

“Ambrose het verder getuig oor wat gebeur het toe hulle by die flat aangekom het en het verduidelik dat die grootman die deur oopgemaak het.

Hulle het ingegaan en die grootman het vir hulle tee gemaak.

Ambrose sê in ‘n stadium, nadat die grootman vir hom tee gebring het en teruggestap het na die kombuis, het Van Boven die grootman van agter gegryp en flou gechoke.”
– Beskuldigde se lippe is pap oor Parow-moord, Die Son

“The grootman won with a clear majority at the Safa Elections this past Saturday, his challengers Mme Ria Ledwaba and Bra Solly Mohlabeng only getting 27 and eight votes respectively to his 186.

The grootman didn’t even publicly declare what his vision and manifesto was leading up to the elections, while Mme Ria and Bra Solly were out there saying whatever they needed to say to convince the public about their vision and plans to “make SAFA better”.

–Safa lacks vision: But Cape President Bailey says Bra Danny is going nowhere, Daily Voice

Forms of Address

Nicknames

Society

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