Learn the Lingo! Lesson 3 - Essential Kiwi Terms

You must master this lesson before you are fluent in Kiwi English. This list contains words /phrases that I have judged to be most representative of life in NZ.

• Bogan – the dregs of Kiwi society; any class of derelict. A bogan is a cross between America’s stoner and white trash. It also used to describe something that is particularly budget or doesn’t meet one’s standards. As you can imagine, this word was quickly incorporated into my vocabulary.


• Bro – (refer to “mate”) The sole difference is that “bro” is used only between Kiwi men friends.


• Choice! – A popular phrase meaning “cool.”


• Cheers - a catch-all term for any situation. Thank you! You’re welcome! Goodbye! Hello!


• Dairy – Every other street corner has a dairy. It’s more like an old-timey general store than an American convenience store. The first time I heard the term “dairy,” I assumed it only sold milk, ice cream, etc. Wrong.


• Flick – A Kiwi will never send you an email or a text message. He will never pass you the butter. He will flick it to you.


• It’s alright; It’s cool - you’re welcome, no problem. Kiwis use the world “cool” constantly.


• Jandals (pictured above) -A uniquely Kiwi term for flip-flops. The word “jandal” is specific to NZ, but the footwear is not. That hasn’t stopped NZ from christening the jandal as another one of those “essential Kiwi items.” The image is used in jewelry, art, clothing, etc.


• Mate - As far as I can tell, this word applies to any human being, whether it be your best mate, your flatmate, or your waiter.


• Muppet - This is the most scathing insult the polite Kiwis will utter. "You're a muppet!" The proper response is an equally polite, "Cheers mate!"


• Flash – This word is used heaps. It most often means “flashy” or “fancy.” Check his flash new car. You look flash in that new dress. However, it is also used to describe the weather. As in – the forecast for tomorrow isn’t too flash.


• Good as gold! – A very common phrase in NZ. Has anyone in America said this since 1849 San Francisco??


• Have a think - think. NZ uses the word “think” as a noun, not a verb. A Kiwi has never thought about anything, but he has had a think. If you're searching for a verb that means "to ponder," use the word "reckon" (refer to lesson 2).


• Heaps - a lot of; a ton. Thanks heaps. I have heaps of time. There are heaps of sheep. The word “heaps” is ubiquitous in NZ!! I can’t stress this enough. It’s a perfect example of a word than all Americans can define, but no Americans ever use.


• I will do; I might do – Kiwis often unnecessarily add the word “do” to the end of phrases. In an effort to mock the Kiwis, I once said, “I don’t want to do.” I was chastised for my incorrect attempt at this colloquialism. Oh, excuse me… I didn’t realize there was a proper way to use the English language improperly.


• She'll be right. - No worries; it will work itself out. A perfect example of the Kiwis laid back/lazy attitude. Refer to Newsflash, Part XXIII.


• Sweet as! – I briefly described this phrase in an earlier blog post. It is one of my favorite bits of Kiwi slang! With the Kiwi accent, it often sounds like “sweet ass.” I feel both delighted and objectified (but mostly delighted) every time I think someone just called me “sweet ass.” “Sweet as” is the most common expression, but there are a variety of permutations. Nice as! Happy as! Cold as! After a day at the beach, a young Kiwi male told me he was sunburned as. Pick any adjective and tack on the word “as.” You sound like a Kiwi already, dear readers. Easy as!