Aweh Masekin! How Capetonians Say “Hello”

 

We all know how to say “hello” or “good morning,” though in Cape Town, we save those for our boss, teachers, or our elders. With friends, cousins, or neighbors, it feels a bit… formal. A bit dull—like breyani without its spice. That’s why Cape Town has its own ways of greeting, shaped by how we speak Afrikaans or mix languages. It’s a Kaap thing. Not something you’d hear everywhere. But it’s what connects us with the people who make up our everyday world and carry that familiarity of living on the Cape Flats. Let’s look at 6 ways to say “hello.”

 

Aweh! 

 

If Cape Town had an anthem, “aweh” would probably feature in the chorus. It’s a greeting deeply rooted in the language of the city, and while it’s part of Afrikaans, its origins trace back to Xhosa. The word “ewe”, which means “yes” in Xhosa, eventually morphed into “awhe” in Cape Town’s lingo. Locals add a *masekind* or *chomma* to make the greeting more personal—terms for “friend.” The term has gained such traction that it was added to the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal (WAT).

 

Ahoy!

 

You’d think “Ahoy” belongs on pirate ships, but in Cape Town, it’s just another way to say “what’s up.” With the city’s deep connection to the sea, it’s no surprise this one stuck around.

 

Hosh! 

 

“Hosh!” is direct, unfiltered, and carries a certain streetwise attitude. Between male friends, it’s a casual greeting, but it can just as easily shift into a challenge—“Hosh, jy raak wys” loosely means, “Let’s see what you’ve got.” It’s a greeting that keeps you on your toes, much like the streets it comes from.

 

Mirrag/Marrag 

 

Good manners meet Cape slang with “Mirrag” or “Marrag”. It’s shorthand for “good afternoon,” but it’s rarely that formal. It can be said in a well-mannered way but it’s not always polite, though—it depends on the delivery. Someone might call out “Mirrag! Vir wat hou jy vi jou so lekka?” (Afternoon! Why are you acting so stuck up?) snarky if you ignore them on the street.

 

Eita! 

 

Another local favourite is “eita!” — a greeting that bridges cultures in one breath. Though it originates from “heita,” the Xhosa word for “hello,” it’s become so integrated into Cape Town’s everyday speech that it’s as familiar as any other greeting. Over time, it’s been simplified to its current form, and in Cape Town, it’s become a polite but still casual way to greet someone.

 

Auw! 

 

Auw is what you say when you bump into someone you haven’t seen in ages. It’s always delivered with enthusiasm, a sign that you’re genuinely happy to see them. Its similarity to *Aweh* suggests a shared origin, but think of Auw as a verbal high-five. 

 

Hoesit!? 

 

“Hoesit” is the Afrikaans version of “howzit?” It’s not a real question; it’s just another way to say hello. While it technically means “how are things,” most Capetonians respond with a quick “lekka” or “duid’lik”(great) and move on. Variations like “hoelykit” (how’s it looking?) add variety to this everyday exchange.

 

Jip-Ja! / Jis-Ja! / Yes-Ja!

 

It may seem unusual, but in Cape Town, saying “yes” can also be a greeting. And it’s a greeting so nice, we say it twice. It’s tautology—a linguistic term for saying the same thing twice in different ways—but here, it’s a cultural quirk.

 

Salute Ja 

 

“Salute ja” isn’t just a hello—it’s recognition and respect. The “Salute” refers to a hand gesture used by the Numbers gang, with different variations depending on the gang’s affiliation. While the greeting is tied to the underworld, the phrase itself is also used broadly as a respectful acknowledgment.

 

What kine?

 

 “Wat kine?” is the Cape Town take on asking “What’s up?” It’s a remixed form of “What kind?” and has become a common greeting in the city. It’s another example of how Cape Town’s street culture shapes its language.

 

Yo!

 

If you’ve grown up listening to hip-hop or watching American films, you’ll recognise “yo” instantly. This informal greeting found its way into Cape Town through the media influence of African American culture. It can show excitement, approval, or just a friendly hello. Sometimes you’ll even hear people double it up, saying “yo yo” with a little extra emphasis on the second “yo.”

 

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