maties

Maties is the plural form of matie, an Afrikaans informal noun meaning "mate" or "friend." In colloquial speech across South Africa, matie and maties are used as terms of address or camaraderie among peers, teammates, or colleagues. The term is particularly common in the Western Cape, where it conveys warmth and familiarity and can function as a friendly greeting similar to “hey, buddy” or “guys.”

Beyond its everyday use, Maties is also a well-established proper noun in South Africa. It is the widely recognized nickname of Stellenbosch University and its athletic teams. Members of the university community—students, staff, alumni, and supporters—are commonly referred to as Maties, and the phrase "Die Maties" appears in branding, sports chants, and media coverage, reflecting a long-standing cultural association with the institution.

Origin and usage notes: The term matie likely derives from Afrikaans forms related to words for “friend,” with influences from the English word “mate” in informal usage. The exact etymology is not definitively documented. In modern usage, maties carries a friendly, informal tone and is best suited to sociable contexts among familiar interlocutors. The nickname Maties for Stellenbosch University represents a distinct cultural identity that extends beyond casual speech to institutional pride.