Wait, they say what?! This South African’s breakdown of Dutch words is sending the internet into a frenzy

Coming across a video that makes me smile or giggle before the day properly begins is a small joy I refuse to give up. A gentle reminder not to doom-scroll, kids. Laugh first, stress later. And thanks to South African film director Andrea Katzeff, my morning laugh arrived right on time.

Katzeff shared a video explaining that she is far too immature for the Netherlands and honestly, same. Because once you’re South African, especially if Afrikaans slang lives rent-free in your head, certain Dutch words and place names are simply a trap. A linguistic setup. A test of self-control. And we fail every time.

Kind of like that awkward moment in church. You’re trying to behave, minding your business, when suddenly you notice the church sister’s dramatic hat or the deacon’s shiny head catching the light just right. Now you’re fighting for your life, biting your lip, staring at the floor, because laughing would be unforgivable.

“As a South African I’m not mature enough for the Netherlands,” Katzeff captions the clip as she pans over handmade signs that sound a little too familiar.

First up: “Lekker kontje.” In Dutch, it literally means “nice little bum” and is generally harmless.

In South Africa? That phrase would absolutely not survive a family braai without commentary, whistles, and someone choking on their dop.

Then there’s “Jo-ho-ho-ma”, sitting innocently above a cold food section. Entirely normal in Dutch. “Johma” (often written without the breaks as Jo-ho-ho-ma on signage) is simply a well-known food brand, especially famous for salads, sauces and cold deli items.

Completely unhinged to South African ears. It’s giving "Jou Ma" It’s giving - your mama! - and that extra “ho-ho” in the middle is definitely not PG-13.

She keeps going. “Steekproef” appears next. In Dutch, it means sample or test portion. In South African slang territory? Let’s just say the word “steek” already has people uncomfortable. Context matters, but humour wins.

Then comes “Geen doos.” Calm down. In Dutch, it simply means “no box.” No packaging. No container. Nothing spicy. But yes, we all thought it. Don’t lie now.

And finally, the real jump scare: “Poes.” In Dutch, it means cat. Sweet. Innocent. Fluffy. In Mzansi? A word so wild it could end friendships, start fights, or get you kicked out of the local shebeen.

Linguists trace its Afrikaans usage back to old Dutch roots, but South Africans have fully rebranded it into something far less wholesome.

Katzeff’s video feels like the forbidden laughter we needed.