What does bakgat mean?
Bakgat is an informal South African term used to describe someone who is arrogant, self-important, or acting as though they are better than everyone else. Borrowed into South African English from Afrikaans, it functions as an adjective and carries a clearly negative, mocking connotation, though it is frequently deployed in playful banter between friends rather than as a serious insult. The word is typically applied to people who have become boastful after some success — a promotion, a sporting victory, or praise — prompting others to say they have become 'bakgat'. Because it derives from Afrikaans, it is understood throughout South Africa and is part of the country's rich vocabulary of shared slang terms that cross linguistic boundaries. For anyone engaging with South African culture, conversation, or media, bakgat is a colourful and instantly recognisable word that captures a universal human failing: taking oneself too seriously.
adjectiveA South African slang term describing a person who is arrogant, big-headed, or full of themselves.
- Describing a person who behaves arrogantly or acts superior to others.
"Ever since his promotion, Dave has been such a bakgat."
"He won one match and now he's completely bakgat."
"Don't get bakgat just because the boss praised your report."
"Bakgat" is one of South Africa's sharpest insults — borrowed from Afrikaans and used to deflate anyone acting too big for their boots.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of bakgat
Bakgat originates in Afrikaans and was adopted into South African English, where it remains firmly associated with South Africa rather than the wider anglophone world. The word combines elements of Afrikaans vocabulary, and its exact internal derivation and date of first use are not securely documented. It belongs to a well-known family of Afrikaans loanwords — alongside terms like 'lekker' and 'braai' — that have become everyday words in South African English.
How bakgat is actually used
Informal and mildly derogatory; used almost exclusively in South African English, where it is widely understood across communities. Often used teasingly among friends as well as as a genuine criticism.