Definition & Meaning of "maat"in English

What does "maat" mean in South African slang?

In South African slang, "maat" means a friend, buddy, or companion, and is commonly used in informal speech as a term of familiarity and camaraderie. It is widely used in everyday South African English, especially among Afrikaans-speaking communities and in casual social interaction between peers. The term comes directly from Afrikaans "maat," which means a mate or companion, and it is used similarly to "mate" in British English to address or refer to a friend in a relaxed, friendly way.