The k-word. Reviled, feared, misunderstood (?). Don't get me wrong, I shudder and cringe when I hear the word. And being a whitey, I do still hear it being used liberally in pale-skinned circles... and among other shades of our fading rainbow nation. As a country which will still grapple with prejudices for generations to come, it's highly unlikely we will ever be able to effectively eradicate the k-word from our lexicon once and for all. We can pontificate, navel-gaze, debate, rage, spit, moan and threaten until our jaws ache over the sadly over-utilisation of this insult. The word will always weasel its way back into someone's mouth, no matter which decade or generation. From national rugby coaches to dim-witted models, it's just the brainless 'go-to word' for those unable to insult (if you really, really have to) others. So, let me lend my 10 cents to this never-ending discussion on the k-word.
While it's not going to disappear (along with the hundreds of years of oppression, repression and suppression which have brought South Africa to where it is today) maybe we can start training our minds to subtly substitute the k-word, as we know it, with another k-word, compliments of the Afrikaner nation. To me, it only makes sense that the one national grouping of our country which, for all intents and purposes, 'popularised' the use of the word 'kaffir', attaching immense hatred and stigma to it throughout Apartheid (and beyond), tries in a very small way to help usher it out of our national psyches.
The Afrikaans language has a very effective way of summing up ideas, expressing things and emotions, often employing humour and at times passion. There's an Afrikaans colloquialism, also beginning with a 'k', which is so often used, I believe it should be inducted into that ever-growing dictionary-cum-crucible of South African linguistics and language. 'Moenie kakpraat nie!' my Mom would often exclaim as I'd try to talk my way out of a sticky situation as an adolescent prone to, shall we say (or, shall I euphemise), making mistakes. Just say it out aloud - 'Kakpraat'. Your tongue seems to either descend to the bottom of your mouth or curl up as that sharp 'k' effortlessly shoots into the rest of the word. It's harsh on the ear, but not too entirely rude (depending on the context), unlike the proverbial, almost unspeakable k-word. in Fact, in my own personal use of 'kakpraat' I've only ever meant it in a joking way. I've yet to see a fist-fight erupt over the use of 'kakpraat'. Okay, granted some kakpraat could lead to fisty-cuffs, it's by far more diplomatic than belching out the word 'kaffir' in a moment of blind, moronic rage.
I have little doubt 'kakpraat' is a common word, which surely must be known across the colour lines. 'Kakpraat is lekker praat' my late Ouma would sometimes proclaim. Meaning, talking crap can often be enjoyable. Relatives of my Afrikaans wife speak of a 'kakpraat vuur', which directly translated means 'crap-talk fire'. This usually refers to a braai and the socialising and jovial conversation around the flames. Even the web site, Braai.com (I kid you not) makes a fleeting reference to this word and it's application to socialising and simply 'shooting the breeze'.
Not to say if we all spoke kak it would be so lekker. We have many unofficial poets of kakpraat (in the negative sense) in this country. Just look at parliamentarians. They talk kak all day and get nowhere.
But can I suggest to my Black compatriots, if/when confronted with those who belch out the dreaded k-word at them, be the better person (please don't think me blase), and simply retort 'Stop talking kak and rather kakpraat with me.' I'd understand if you may want to add a few choice curse words, but then you'd only be party to a mindless exchange of rage. It's better to praat the kak than to be part of the kak.
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