"Bra" or "Bru" is used as a casual term originating from South African slang, that denotes a close friend, buddy, or pal. It is an informal expression often applied to refer to someone the speaker has a strong bond with, reflecting a sense of camaraderie or familiarity. The terms are used regardless of the friend’s gender and are comparable to usage of "bro" or "mate" in some other English-speaking cultures. Although initially popularized within the South African context, their use has been widespread due to global cultural exchange.

1. "Hey bra, are we still hitting the gym later?" 2. "Bru, it's been so long since we last caught up. Let's grab a beer this weekend." 3. "I ran into a problem with my car, can you help me check it out, bra?" 4. "I've got two tickets to the game this weekend, you in, bru?" 5. "Bra, I just watched that movie you recommended, and it was awesome!"

The term "Bra" or "Bru" as a form of friend, buddy, or pal is commonly used in South African slang, particularly in the Cape Town region. It is derived from the Afrikaans word "broer", meaning brother. This slang term reflects the multicultural diversity and unique linguistic style of South Africa, demonstrating the ways in which different languages and dialects can influence each other and create new forms of colloquial communication. Although commonly recognized among younger generations, it is increasingly gaining popularity and being used across a larger demographic. So next time you are in South Africa, particularly Cape Town, don’t get surprised when you hear someone referring to their friend as their "Bra" or "Bru".