This is the 582nd most frequent Afrikaans word.
fanie
"Fanie" is a common Afrikaans male given name, often a diminutive of "Stefanus."
Here, 'Fanie' is used as a proper noun, a personal name.
Fanie is vandag vroeg by die werk.
Fanie is at work early today.
In this context, 'fanie' is used as a colloquial term meaning 'clown' or 'funny person'.
Hy het as 'n fanie optree by die partytjie.
He acted as a clown at the party.
In this context, 'fanie' might refer to a figurine or vanishingly used term for a specific item, though this usage can be highly regional or contextual.