chakalaka: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowinformal, cultural-specific
Quick answer
What does “chakalaka” mean?
A popular, spicy South African vegetable relish.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A popular, spicy South African vegetable relish.
Used more broadly as a metaphor for a situation or mixture that is vibrant, chaotic, spicy, and full of variety. It can describe a lively atmosphere, a fast-paced piece of music, or a diverse and energetic mix of people.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the term is more likely to be recognised due to culinary influence from South Africa, especially at braais (barbecues) or World Foods sections. In the US, it is largely unknown outside of South African communities or food enthusiasts. Both regions use the extended, metaphorical meaning primarily in multicultural or niche contexts.
Connotations
Positive connotations of zest, energy, and diversity. The metaphorical use carries a slightly informal, playful, and descriptive tone.
Frequency
Rare in general English. Usage is highly context-dependent and culturally marked.
Grammar
How to Use “chakalaka” in a Sentence
[Something] is (like/akin to) chakalaka.[He/She/It] added some chakalaka to [the dish/situation].The [event/party/team] is pure chakalaka.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chakalaka” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- Could you pass the chakalaka, please?
- That neighbourhood festival is a real cultural chakalaka.
American English
- I bought some authentic chakalaka from the international market.
- The music at the club was a wild chakalaka of Afrobeat and house.
verb
British English
- You should chakalaka up that boring stew with some spices. (Highly informal, non-standard)
American English
- The DJ really chakalaka'd the party. (Highly informal, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- The atmosphere was absolutely chakalaka, full of colour and noise.
American English
- They served a chakalaka-inspired dip at the potluck.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Very rare. Potentially used metaphorically in creative industries to describe a dynamic, energetic team or product launch: 'Our new marketing campaign has real chakalaka.'
Academic
Virtually non-existent except in anthropological or culinary studies discussing South African culture or foodways.
Everyday
Used in food contexts when discussing South African cuisine. May be used metaphorically in very informal conversation among those familiar with the term to describe a lively situation.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chakalaka”
- Spelling: 'chackalacka', 'chakala', 'chakalika'.
- Using it to refer to any generic sauce.
- Assuming it's a drink or a main course.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Neither, exactly. It's a chunky, cooked vegetable relish or condiment, similar in texture to a coarse salsa or a chutney. It's not liquid like a soup or a smooth sauce.
Yes, but context is crucial. It's an informal, creative metaphor to describe anything that is a lively, energetic, and diverse mix, similar to the qualities of the food. For example, 'The meeting was a total chakalaka of ideas.'
Recipes vary, but common base ingredients include onions, tomatoes, carrots, and bell peppers (capsicum). It is typically spiced with curry powder, chili, ginger, and garlic. Baked beans are a common addition in some recipes.
It is increasingly found in comprehensive or culinary dictionaries (e.g., OED) due to its cultural significance, but it is not a high-frequency word in general English vocabulary. It remains a loanword with specific cultural and culinary associations.
A popular, spicy South African vegetable relish.
Chakalaka is usually informal, cultural-specific in register.
Chakalaka: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃæk.əˈlæk.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃæk.əˈlæk.ə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The party was a proper chakalaka of sounds and people.”
- “To add some chakalaka to the proceedings.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a JACKAL running fast and chaotically, then add an extra 'cha' sound. Chakalaka is the fast, spicy, and chaotic mix of flavours that gets your taste buds running.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIBRANT COMPLEXITY IS SPICY RELISH; ENERGY AND DIVERSITY IS A FLAVOURFUL MIXTURE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary meaning of 'chakalaka'?