Why Poenankies Should Be Your New Favourite Word
Poenankies is a gem of a Kaaps word that sums up all things adorable, lovely, and heart-melting. It rolls off the tongue as “poo-nah-keys,” and is an informal adjective that’s grown up a little, officially finding its way into Standard Afrikaans via the Afrikaanse Woordelys en Spelreëls. People use it to gush over anything or anyone inherently oulik like babies or puppies. Poenankies can also be applied to a charming person or a sweet gesture.
If your husband surprises you with flowers at work, you’d swoon: “Is hy nie te poenankies nie?” (Isn’t he just the cutest?). Or maybe you’re cuddling your newborn niece for the first time, and the only words you can find are: “Ag moeder, tog te poenankies!” (Oh, mother, she’s too cute!). I’ve even heard girls refer to a handsome man as poenankies.
The word reminds me that life still has its soft, sweet corners, and it’s something we could all use more of these days. So, when you come across something that makes you smile, brightens your day, and stirs your soul with its cuteness, let poenankies be your go-to word.
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