Pakamiesa

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Pakamiesa

VERB / INTERJECTION

Pronounced: /pa-ka-MEE-sah/

Spelling variations: pagamisa

MEANING

A term denoting the act of acknowledging a person, situation, or piece of information. It serves as a signal of agreement or a way to show that one has become mindful of a specific detail. Beyond its function as a statement of understanding, it operates as a formal salute or shout-out between individuals within the Number gangs i.e. hos pakamiesa. Despite its origins in prison culture, the word has transitioned into everyday street language

Example:

“Salute, sergeant 2, nompangela ek is skangaga met n manskap, bytela in bloedrooi boeie, ek sal pakamiesa sy stem by die twaalf punte” (I greet you, sergeant 2, I have one of your men cuffed, and I would like him to appear before the twelve points /parliament.)

—from The Numbers Gang in South African Correctional Facilities: Reflections on Structures, Functions and Culture by Heinrich Veloen.
Subculture
Sabela
Culture

Uses of Pakamiesa in the Media / on Social Media

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