broekies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, colloquial, South African English
Quick answer
What does “broekies” mean?
A humorous or informal South African English term for a pair of trousers or pants, particularly informal or short trousers.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A humorous or informal South African English term for a pair of trousers or pants, particularly informal or short trousers.
Informal, often endearing term for underpants or shorts. The diminutive '-ies' suggests informality, familiarity, or smallness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This word is not standard in either British or American English. It is a borrowing from Afrikaans used almost exclusively in South African English. In General English contexts, it would be opaque or misunderstood.
Connotations
In its native context: informal, playful, potentially endearing. In international contexts: marked as foreign, likely misunderstood.
Frequency
Zero frequency in British or American corpora. Its use is geographically restricted to Southern Africa.
Grammar
How to Use “broekies” in a Sentence
Put on your [broekies].He ran around in his [broekies].a pair of [broekies]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except in linguistic or cultural studies.
Everyday
Only in informal, familiar settings within South Africa.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “broekies”
- Using it in international English where it is unknown.
- Assuming it is standard English for any type of trousers.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a colloquial word specific to South African English, originating from Afrikaans.
It is the diminutive form of 'broek' (Afrikaans for trousers/pants), so it literally means 'little trousers'.
No, it will almost certainly not be understood. Use standard terms like 'shorts', 'underpants', or 'pants' instead.
It can refer to both, depending on context. It most commonly means shorts or underpants, but the core meaning is a diminutive for trousers.
A humorous or informal South African English term for a pair of trousers or pants, particularly informal or short trousers.
Broekies is usually informal, colloquial, south african english in register.
Broekies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrʊkiz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrʊkiz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “catch someone with their broekies down (SAfE variant of 'caught with pants down')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BROOK (stream) where kids play in their little trousers – 'BROOK-ies'.
Conceptual Metaphor
CLOTHING FOR INTIMACY/FAMILIARITY (The diminutive form conceptualizes the garment as small, personal, and informal).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English would you most likely encounter the word 'broekies'?