South African reactions are iconic. In fact, we love them so much, we’ve deduced that there are 5 kinds of South African responses to good things, the Big 5 responses, if you will. Which is yours?
South Africa (12 July, 2023) — When special, unexpected good things happen in South Africa (like snow in Johannesburg) we’ve noticed a few trends in how South Africans respond. Most times it isn’t snow. Sometimes, it’s loadshedding taking a break. Or petrol prices suddenly dropping. Heck, even our reactions to the things we do expect and wish for most follow these patterns more often than not, like winning the World Cup, hosting one or anytime a local shines on the international stage. Thanks to our non-expert, unscientifically based analysis, we’ve deduced that South African reactions can be split into 5 main responses.
The Big 5 responses, if you will.
While we might not share the handsomeness of a lion or the size of an elephant, South Africans channel the Big 5 more than we know. So, without further ado, here are the Big 5 Responses most South Africans channel:
The Lion
AKA, the prideful South African.
Like the mighty lion, this South African has a lot of pride. They can almost always be found cheering at the top of their lungs for any sporting event. When big occurrences happen, they’re the ones who will stand proudly as if they themselves brought the snow to Johannesburg or medals back from the Olympics. But their spirit is infectious, and their reactions will never be shared without multiple exclamation points. No matter how they feel about South Africa on a given day, they will always fall back to their default—pride for our country.
The Elephant
AKA, the loyal reactor
Like an elephant, the elephant reactor’s memories serve them as a great asset, and they’re probably not the person you want to go up against in any game of 30 Seconds.
When this South African reacts to big moments, there’s almost always a history attached. The first time it ever snowed in their city? They know the year, date and time. Person they support making the country proud? They can give you an entire history after they celebrate the victory.
That’s because these types of reactors are loyal to the causes they support, and have a knack for remembering all the necessary information that led to a big celebration. They’re a great source of wisdom on the topics they’re passionate about, and although they’re not overt in their responses, a nod of approval from them means a lot.
The Rhino
AKA the cautious reactor
Like the brave yet cautious rhino, rhino reactors are usually on the look out, even when good moments happen. A victory or big moment is great, but are there implications? What will happen to their garden in the snow? If loadshedding ends, when will it come back? If we win a World Cup, will the streets be too crowded to go out and celebrate?
However, once they know that it’s safe to celebrate something, they’re some of the most joyful people to be around. You might even catch them running about like little Mpho the rhino!
The Leopard
AKA the smooth reactor
Leopards are known for stealth and their smooth reactions. They aren’t fans of big displays like the lion and prefer to celebrate subtly. For the leopard reactor, exciting moments often mean just as much dopamine as they would for anyone else but their reactions tend to slide under the radar.
However, if you keep up with a leopard type, you’ll know that beneath their cool exterior they’re beaming inside (and secretly playing in the snow when no one else is watching).
The Buffalo
AKA the protective reactor
Real-life buffalos are known for being fiercely protective. This reactor isn’t as fussed about showing their pride as they are about protecting the pride of others, and they are the first ones to protect against any negative input, cynicism or general bad vibes.
They might not share their joy about a moment for the whole world to see, but you can bet your bottom rand that if someone they know has shared their excitement about a big moment and faced any kind of negativity as a consequence, the buffalo reactor will be the first ones boxing in the comment section in support and defence.
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