braai

Where does the word "braai" come from? It comes from Afrikaans braai, and was adopted directly into English (1900s).

Braai’s story begins in Afrikaans: braai meant “roast meat, a barbecue.” Shortened from braaivleis, literally roast meat, a social barbecue gathering. It reached English by 1900s as braai. South Africa's 'National Braai Day' is held on Heritage Day, 24 September. Today, braai means a barbecue, especially as a social occasion, in South African English.

1. Stage 1 · Afrikaans · 1800s braai "roast meat, a barbecue", shortened from braaivleis, literally roast meat, a social barbecue gathering.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1900s braai "a barbecue, especially as a social gathering", South Africa's 'National Braai Day' is held on Heritage Day, 24 September.