The German word "nee" means "no" (slang for "nein").
The word "ne?" is used like a question tag.
Both combined - "Nee, ne?" - can mean
- I can't believe this is really happening.
- No he didn't, did he?
- That isn't true, is it?
- Are you kidding me?!
- No way!
- That's gotta be a f*cking lie!
Enjoy our language, ne?
Afrikaans has the best sayings.
"Ja, Nee" which means "Yes, no". Which generally means no except when it means Yes. It's all about how it's said and the context.
There is also "Nou, Nou." Which is "now, now." Which is not now but sometime in the future.
Afrikaans has the best swear words though. But I'll refrain as they are rather offensive.
And then in South African English we have "just now". Which also isn't now but it's before "now now." But possibly after later.
I think all language had these weird idiosyncrasies.
@vandenberglegs Australian English also has the word batsman which South African English has dropped from it's vocabulary.
We do fortunately have a few batswoman.
Jens Clasen
Wayne
vandenberglegs