I’ve you’ve ever looked at a map of Europe or the world, which I am quite positive of you’ve done a time or two, you might have noticed that my lovely country, The Netherlands, is quite small. And even though the surface might not be as impressive, The Netherlands is in many ways very diverse. As for starters, if you ever find yourself traveling through The Netherlands for an hour or so, in any direction, don’t be surprised if you hear a different kind of Dutch or proper dialects upon arrival.

Naturally, I am as biased as it gets, but I am convinced to the core that Amsterdam’s slang, dialect and expressions and overall language is just a great as it gets. A few words in particular have always managed to put a smile on my face, so today, I thought I’d share some true Mokum (nickname for Amsterdam) words and expressions with you guys.

Achenebbisj: shabby. And a little fun fact, this was chosen by the city’s inhabitants as favourite typical “Amsterdam-word” in 2006.

Majem: water. Something we have quite a lot of around.

Bajes: prison.

Sores: worries or troubles. As Bob Marley told us, “no sores, be happy”.

Goochem: smart, knowing a thing or two.

Pleite: going away or something or someone being lost or gone.

Meier: described as a bill of hundred in our former currency (guilder).

Gallisch: being properly angry.

Gallemieze: Something being broken or being broke. There’s a difference. 😉

Porem: face. “You have a beautiful porem”.

Bolleboos: even though “boos” means “angry” in Dutch, this one has nothing to do with your mood but really is quite the compliment, as it means being a smart person.

Hoteldebotel: being madly in love, going crazy, or confused. It can be a thin line, right?

Noppes: It comes down to exactly nothing, nada, zero.

Drijfhuis: houseboat. Litterally translated as floating house, which is quite accurate in this case.

Jaap: a Dutch name but also used to describe a cut in your skin.

Snaaien: Snacking. Who isn’t “guilty” of some, every now and then.

Gein: the fuel of life, also called fun.

Gabber: a friend or buddy.

Schnabbelen: earning some “coins” on the side.

Prakkie, kliekie, liflaffie: warmed food.

Op zijn janboerenfluitjes doen: doing something with ease. For me, that’s for instance like sleeping in till noon on a Sunday.

Je het leplazarus werken: working very hard.

Pikketannussie: having a drink (generver). Or two, most often. Also another lovely Amsterdam song by the great Johnny Jordaan, I told you about last week.

And finally, two great passions of mine and mine that also play a prominent role in my upcoming weekend plans:  

Maffen: sleeping, resting your eyes and recharging.

Nassen: eating, definitely always a highlight of the day!

Hope you enjoyed folks, now it’s time for a pikketannussie. See you next time!

Sincerely,
Mr. J

Sources: Historiek & “Mens En Samenleving”