dekker
Very low (regional slang)Informal, slang (South Africa)
Definition
Meaning
A unit of ten in South African slang, specifically a ten-rand note.
In specific South African English slang, a term for a ten-rand banknote. It can also be a surname of Dutch origin, meaning 'roofer' or 'thatcher', but the slang usage is the primary lexical entry for the common noun.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This term is highly region-specific to South Africa and is not used or understood in other English-speaking regions. It is informal cash slang.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is not used in standard British or American English. Its usage is confined to South African English slang.
Connotations
In its regional context, it is a neutral, colloquial term for money.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of South Africa; unfamiliar to most English speakers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Have you got a dekker?It costs a dekker.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used informally in cash transactions in South Africa.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This sweet costs a dekker.
- I need to get change for a dekker to use the bus.
- He tipped the car guard his last dekker.
- The informal term 'dekker' exemplifies the dynamic nature of South African English slang.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DECK of cards having about ten cards you might use; a DEKKER is a ten-rand note.
Conceptual Metaphor
MONEY IS A COUNTABLE OBJECT (specifically a unit of ten).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'decor' (декор) or 'deck' (палуба). It is a specific slang term with no direct Russian equivalent.
Common Mistakes
- Using it outside a South African context where it will not be understood.
- Spelling it as 'decker' (which is a different word).
Practice
Quiz
Where would you most likely hear the word 'dekker' used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a piece of region-specific slang from South African English.
No, it would not be understood. Use 'tenner' (UK) or 'ten-dollar bill' (US) instead.
It originates from the Afrikaans/Dutch word for 'ten', 'tien', with the '-er' suffix common in South African cash slang (like 'lobola' for R2).
As a common noun in this sense, yes. It can also be a Dutch-derived surname unrelated to money.