The Ultimate Guide To New Zealand Slang

published by Bren

Last updated: May 23, 2023

It happens to me everywhere I go. I’ll be having a conversation with some mates at the hostel and, forgetting I’m not in New Zealand, I’ll say something like…

“Yeah nah bro, I reckon that’s all good, cheap as for a mean as feed like that!”

And they’ll all stare at me in silence, as if I’m an alien speaking to them in Na’vi. And then one of them will go, “Sorry, what?”

Meanwhile the Aussie guys next to me are pissing themselves laughing.

I’ve since learned to go easy on the New Zealand slang while travelling, especially when I’m around non Kiwi folk, but this isn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s actually quite a struggle, and I still remember bunking with an Aussie in Colombia and both of us laughing at how nice it was to finally be able to speak normally with someone.

So, next time a Kiwi is in your dorm, prep yourself with this guide. In fact, bust out some of the New Zealand slang below and they’ll think you’re the coolest person alive. More importantly, if you plan on coming to New Zealand you’d do well to learn as many of these NZ slang words and phrases as possible.

Learning Kiwi slang isn’t easy, so we’ll start with 20 common words. Once you’ve learned them all, move on to the next section where I’ll teach you the good stuff. You guys are going to be speaking fluent Kiwi in no time!

Lesson 1: Some popular New Zealand slang words to start:

Kiwi – Can refer to either a New Zealander, or the country’s national bird. For the fruit, we say kiwifruit.

Jandals – Flip flops. e.g. Havaianas

Dairy – A convenience store, corner store, or mini supermarket.

Chilly bin – A cooler bin, used for keeping drinks cold.

The wops – Really far away, the middle of nowhere. e.g. she lives far away, out in the wops.

Macca’s – McDonald’s

Togs – Swimsuit

Bonnet & boot – Hood & trunk (of a car)

Scull – To drink a usually alcoholic drink in one go without stopping.

Buggered – Very tired

Fizzy drink – Soda

Mince – Ground beef

Hot chips – French fries

Kai – Maori word for food

Chocka Block – Crowded/busy

Pissed – Drunk

Cuppa – A hot drink, usually short for “cup of coffee” or “cup of tea”

Jumper – A jersey or sweatshirt

Angus – Someone with an anger problem

Hungus – Someone who eats too much

Easy enough? Cool. Now try wrap your head around these ones:

Lesson 2: Advanced Kiwi Slang Words & Phrases (for those who wanna get serious!)

Bro

When I’m with my friends I use this in almost every sentence. We use it in place of ‘man’ or ‘mate’ or ‘dude’. It’s not reserved for good friends, you can say it to anyone, like the mailman or a taxi driver. They’ll probably say it back to you.

Example:
Jack: Hey bro how’s it going?
John: I’m all good bro! Did you see Shortland Street last night bro? It was crazy bro!


All good

This basically means ‘everything’s fine’ or ‘no problem’, and we also use it in place of ‘you’re welcome’ when someone says thank you.

Example:
Jack: I thought my car was going to break down but it was all good, thanks for waiting.
John: All good bro.


Sweet as

Means ‘no problem’, or sometimes can just mean a simple “OK”. Used similarly to ‘all good’.

Example:
Jack: Yo, we’re all going to Jen’s house to watch Gossip Girl and eat Toffee Pops. Gotta go gym first but I’ll pick you up at 7?
John: Sweet as (translation: OK).


Faaaa

This could be considered a shortened version of “far out” (or the F word, I’m actually not sure) which can be used to express both excitement and disappointment. The amount of excitement or disappointment you wish to express will depend on how long you hold the ‘faa’.

Example:
If you scratch a lotto ticket and win $2 you might go “Faaa, only $2”, but if you scratched it and won $20,000 you’d probably go “Faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa $20,000!”


As

We commonly use the word “as” as an amplifier to the preceding adjective. For example, “cheap as” would translate to “really cheap”.

Example:
John: Bro, check out my new polka dot undies. Got them in Howick for 20 bucks.
Jack: Bro, that’s expensive as! (translation: that’s really f*cking expensive).


Hardout

This is one of those Kiwi slang words with many meanings:

1. To amplify an adjective.

Example:
It’s hardout cold today! (translation: It is extremely cold today)

2. To express agreement to something very enthusiastically.

Example:
Jack: Bro, this restaurant is awesome as, we should come here every week.
John: Hardout! (translation: yes, we should!)

3. To describe something as awesome or amazing.

Example:
John: How was the movie?
Jack: It was hardout, bro! (translation: It was awesome, bro).

4. To describe someone as extremely talented/hardworking/successful.

Example:
John: Did you know Ben got 100% in every exam?
Jack: Man, that guy is a hardout! (translation: that guy works really hard).


Not even

Loosely translates to “No way” or “That’s not true”, but can be used in various different contexts.

Example:
Jack: Bro, I forgot my wallet. You’ll lend me 20 bucks though eh?
John: Not even! (translation: No, I wont.)


Ow

This can be combined with “Not even” and is used somewhat like an exclamation mark. It’s used quite sparingly, but if you manage to pull off the “Not even” + “Ow” combo as a foreigner, you will probably be made an honorary Kiwi.

Example:
Jack: Bro, how did you pass that exam, you must have cheated hardout!
John: Not even ow! (translation: Get the f**k outa here)


Shot

This has multiple meanings, so many that it would be pointless to explain them all here. In fact I’m not even sure I could explain them, as there is an acquired comfort in using this word and understanding all it’s uses. Nonetheless, I encourage foreigners to try as often as possible. Three of the most common meanings are:

1. To express thanks.

Example:
Hey bro, can you pass me that jug of water please? Shot. (translation: Thanks)

2. To express joy, similar to how you might use “Yuss!!”

Example:
John: Bro, Jen got us free VIP tickets for Miley Cyrus tonight!
Jack: Oh shot! (translation: That’s awesome!)

3. To express encouragement, or to say ‘good job’ or ‘well done’.

Example:
John: Hey bro, I finally passed my bikini waxing certification last night. Starting my new job tomorrow!
Jack: Shot bro! (translation: Well done!)


A feed

A meal.

Example:
Jack: I’m hungry bro.
John: Alright, let’s go for a feed. Macca’s?


Reckon

In many ways it is a synonym for the word “think”, for example instead of saying “I think so” you could say “I reckon”. However it has other meanings:

1. Used to express one’s opinion. For example, instead of saying “Do you think?” you would say “Do you reckon?”

Example:
John: Do you reckon if I buy Jen a box of Pineapple Lumps and then ask her on a date she will say yes?
Jack: Yeah, I reckon! (translation: yes, I think she will).

2. Used to agree enthusiastically to something.

Example:
John: I can’t believe Tom cheated on Jill for the 279th time!
Jack: I reckon! What a dick. (translation: I know! What a dick).


Mean

An adjective to describe something as really amazing or awesome.

Example:
Jack: Did you see that girl in the purple dress last night?
John: Yeah bro that girl was the meanest! (translation: that girl was extremely hot/amazing).

Example:
Jack: Did you like that Olsen twins movie we saw last week?
John: Yeah, it was pretty mean (translation: Yeah, it was quite good).


Heaps

Means ‘a lot’ or ‘very’.

Example:
Jack: Man, I always see that girl there.
John: Yeah, I’ve seen her heaps too. She goes there heaps bro. (translation: Yeah, I’ve seen her a lot too. She goes there all the time).


Piece of piss

To describe something that’s very easy, similar to “piece of cake”.

Example:
Jack: Hey, I’m about to take my driving test. Is it hard?
John: Nah, piece of piss bro (translation: No, it’s very easy).


Taking the piss

An expression which means ‘to make fun of’ or to ‘mock’, or to not be taking something seriously. Not to be confused with “taking a piss”, which means to urinate.

Example:
Jack: I was gonna go out drinking with you guys tonight, but Jen got mad at me so I’m staying home.
John: What the f**k? Are you taking the piss? (translation: Are you being serious?)


On the piss

Getting drunk.

Example:
Jack: Man have you seen Melissa’s Instagram lately?
John: Bro she’s always on the piss eh????
(translation: she’s always out drinking, right?)


Yeah nah bro

Yeah nah is a tricky one to translate accurately. It basically means “No”, but it’s like a more polite version of no.

Example:
Jack: Hey man you wanna stay for dinner?
John: Yeaaaah nah bro, I gotta get home and study
(translation: I’d like to [not really], but I can’t, gotta get home and study).

However, it can also be translated as simply “Ummm”, or perhaps as “Ummm yeah, but no”. Such as when you’re talking about a sensitive topic, or just need time to think.

Example:
Jack: Hey bro, I saw you and Jess go home together last night!
John: Yeah nah bro……how did your night go? (translation: Well, no, we didn’t, how did your night go?)

There’s no exact translation, so try to observe the different ways Kiwis use it before you start trying to use it yourself!


To the days

This is pinned to the end of a word or phrase, and means ‘extremely’ or ‘very’.

Example:
Jack: Did you see Tim got drunk again last night?
John: Bro, that guy’s an alcoholic to the days! (translation: That guy’s seriously an alcoholic).


Honest to who?

Loosely translates to “Really?” Often the response will be “Honest to G”, which I presume means Honest to God.

Example:
Jack: Bro, I won like $5,000 at the pokies last night.
John: Honest to who?
Jack: Honest to G O D!


Gizza

Short for “Give us a”, which actually means “Give me a”.

Example:
Jack: Faaa, check this out, Jen posted a photo of herself on Instagram in a bikini.
John: Honest to who? Gizza look! (translation: Really? Give me a look!)


Shout

This is the Kiwi form of the verb ‘to treat’, such as treating someone to a meal or a drink.

Example:
Jack: Bro, I can’t come out tonight, I spent all my money on a pedicure.
John: It’s all good bro, Tim is shouting drinks tonight.
Jack: Shot!


What a sad guy

This is said when someone does something super uncool.

Example:
Jack: Bro, when Tim was drunk as last night I put $500 of booze on his credit card.
John: What a sad guy!
(translation: what a crappy thing to do)


Aye/Eh

Probably impossible to explain, but I will try. It has many different uses so you will need to listen carefully to the pitch, tone and context in which it’s used to decipher the meaning in each particular situation. Also note that the word is pronounced like the letter “A”, not the letter I.

1. Used on the end of a statement to solicit agreement from the other party. Similar meaning to “don’t you think?” or “isn’t it?”

Example:
Jack: It’s pretty hot today eh? (translation: It’s pretty hot today, isn’t it?)
John: Yeah bro, hardout. (translation: Yes, very).

2. Used to express disbelief and/or surprise. You would use a similar pitch and tone to when you say “Really??”.

Example:
Jack: Tim broke his leg at rugby last night and now he’s in the hospital.
John: Eh? (translation: Really!?)

3. Used to express confusion when you’re unsure of why something is happening or when things are not appearing as they should. When used in this context the “Aye” will typically be longer and more drawn out, usually in a slightly higher pitched voice.

Example:
Jack: Bro Mr Tupai said you have to go to his office after school because your exam was so crap.
John: Eeeeeeh? (translation: What the hell!?)

4. Used as a filler word, with no real meaning at all.

Example:
Jack: How was Jen’s cupcake party?
John: It was cool eh, I really enjoyed it.


Cuz

While technically short for “cousin” this is mostly used as a term of friendship, but can also be used as just a casual way to address someone. Sometimes the longer form “cuzzy” is used.

Example:
Staff: “Sir, here’s your Big Mac combo, no pickle extra fries.”

Jack: “Oh, cheers cuz.” (translation: Thanks man)


Chur

Generally used in place of “cheers” or “thank you”, but in certain situations can also mean “OK/cool” or “No problem”. I’ve also heard people use it simply as a way to greet each other.

Example:
Jack: Saw you were running low bro so got you another beer.
John: Chur bro! (translation: Thanks man).


Can’t be bothered

Used when someone is too lazy or just simply doesn’t feel like doing something. Another variation of this is “can’t be stuffed”, which has the same meaning and is used in the same way.

Example:
Jack: Bro, your arms are looking kinda small you should come to the gym with us.

John: Nah, I can’t be bothered bro. (translation: No, I’m too lazy).


Choice

Simply means “good” or “cool” and is used similarly to “sweet as”.

Example:
John: Bro, Jen went to buy our movie tickets and the guy gave all of us free popcorn.
Jack: Oh choice! (translation: Oh that’s awesome).


Suss

This word can have two different meanings depending on the context:

1. To take care of a task that needs to be done or to sort something out.

Example:
John: You were supposed to get our rugby tickets sorted, suss it out bro! (translation: take care of it)
Jack: Sussed it out this morning bro! (translation: I sorted it out this morning)

2. To describe something as suspicious/suspect.

Example:
John: Bro, it’s all good, this guy said he’ll give us a ride into town.
Jack: Are you sure you wanna go with him? He looks kinda suss bro. (translation: he looks a bit suspicious/not right).


Mint

Loosely translates to “cool”, or “awesome”. Has quite a broad meaning and can be used to describe most things that you think are cool.

Example:
John: “Bro, check out my new iPhone cover, it’s got Kim Kardashian on the back.”
Jack: “Gizza look. Oh bro, that is mint.” (translation: Give me a look. Oh man, that is awesome.)


Gap it

Can simply mean “to leave” or can also mean to “run away”.

Example:
John: Bro I saw this guy trying to break into my car.

Jack: Did you catch him?
John: Nah, he gapped it. (translation: no, he ran away)


Stink!

Stink can be used on its own to express unhappiness with something, or can also be used as an adjective to describe something/someone as really lame.

Really good word to pair with “Faaa”.

Example:
Jack: Did you see the Easter Show got cancelled?
John: Faaa stink as!
(Translation: Oh no that sucks!)

Example:
Jack: I was supposed to go for get milkshakes with Tim, but he cancelled on me last minute.
John: What a stink dude!
(translation: What a bad person).


Skux

Really cool/attractive/stylish/awesome.

Example:
Jack: Bro I heard you got like 3 girlfriends now wassup?
John: Nah, not even, I’m not a skux dude like you eh!
(translation: no way, I’m not as cool as you!)


Chocka

Chocka means something is very full or busy. If something is extremely busy, you can use the full term “Chocka Block”.

Example:
Jack: Yo, I heard the supermarket was pretty chocka today? (translation: I heard the supermarket was quite busy today?)
John: Bro, chocka block! (Man, it was super busy!)


Kia Kaha

Kia kaha translates to “Be strong” in Maori. It is a phrase Kiwis say to each other during hard times, periods of grieving, or when sharing support to each other. For example during natural disasters, tragic events, or the All Blacks losing in a World Cup final. You will see Kiwis saying to each other, kia kaha.

Example:
We are all grieving today during this difficult time. Kia kaha, New Zealand (stay strong, New Zealand).


Straight up

This can be used as both a question and a response. As a question, it loosely means “Are you serious?” As a response it means, “Yes, I’m serious.”

It can also be used as a way to answer something with an enthusastic yes.

Example:
Jack: Dude I can bench 200kg now!
John: Straight up? (translation: Really?)
Jack: Straight up. (Yes, really).

Example:
Jack: If you were given the chance, would you date Barbara Streisand?
John: Straight up! (translation: Definitely!)


C*nt

The reason I’ve included this word is because while it might be vulgar in some countries, it is not in contemporary New Zealand. In fact, it is often used a term of endearment between friends, and probably on the same level as “douchebag” or maybe “dickhead” when using it as an insult.

If you hear this in the streets in New Zealand, do not be alarmed! It is quite normal and nothing to worry about 🙂

Example:
Jack: Hey man do you know Sara’s new boyfriend Joey?
John: Yeah, he’s a good cunt actually (translation: yeah, he’s actually a nice guy).


Wanna hiding?

Generally if you hear this phrase between friends it’s okay, but if it’s said to you by a stranger, you’ve done something wrong. You might hear this at the bar once or twice on a heavy weekend. It’s what Kiwis say when they want to punch you in the face.

Example:
Jack: *pours water down John’s shirt*
John: What the f***! You wanna hiding?! (translation: You want me to smash your face in!!?)


Palangi

This is actually a Samoan word which means foreigner, but you’ll hear it in New Zealand quite often. It’s normally used as a friendly term to describe white people/caucasians.

Example:
Jack: Hey, what do you think of that new guy Shane on our rugby team?
John: I’ll be honest, he runs pretty fast for a palangi!


Bring a plate

This is one of those New Zealand sayings that’s often misunderstood. When Kiwis invite you to dinner and ask you to bring a plate, it’s not because they don’t have enough kitchenware. It means they want you to bring a dish, like a lasagne or a cheesecake. It’s basically our way of saying it’s a pot luck dinner.

I had to include this one, because it would break my heart if you were one of those foreigners who hilariously turned up to a dinner party with just an empty plate! (happens often).

Example:
John: Hey, dinner party at my house on Friday, you free?
Anita: Yes! I’m coming.
John: Alright, don’t forget to bring a plate!
Anita: Oh, you don’t have enough plates?
John: No I mean BRING SOME FOOD omg! 😀


Nek Minnit

This phrase was born from a viral Youtube video, which literally means “next minute” or “suddenly”.

Example:
John: What happened to that girl at the bar last night? I thought you guys were getting along?
Jack: Bro, everything was good, then we took a shot, nek minnit she was drunk as! (translation: suddenly she was extremely drunk).


Gummon!

This phrase was born from a clip on a TV police show that quickly went viral. It’s used as a slang way to say “C’mon!” when someone gives an excuse or says something soft.

Make sure you emphasise the G at the start!

Example:
John: Bro what happened to you last night? You said you were coming to town with us!
Jack: Sorry bro I stubbed my toe and it was too sore to walk.

John: Aww gummon!!


Well, that pretty much covers it! Hopefully now if we ever cross paths on the road you’ll find it a little easier for us to understand each other.

Oh, and a special thanks to all the Canadians, Americans and Europeans I’ve met who didn’t understand a word I was saying. You were the inspiration for this post.

Been to New Zealand? What other New Zealand slang phrases did you hear that you didn’t understand? If you’re a Kiwi, what did I miss? Let me know in the comments below!

Heading to New Zealand? Follow these tips:

  • For affordable accommodation in New Zealand, I highly recommend using Airbnb. This will allow you to get both private rooms and fully furnished apartments at rates far less than hotels and some hostels, especially in the bigger cities. You can get $25 of free Airbnb credit using this link.
  • I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, particularly if you plan on partaking in the outdoors or road tripping up and down the country. For a beginner’s guide to travel insurance, why you need it, and how to get it, check out my post Travel Insurance 101: Everything You Need To Know.
  • If it’s your first time visiting New Zealand, my buddy Will at The Broke Backpacker has an epic New Zealand travel guide on his blog. Check it out, it should have all the information you’re going to need to see our fine country on a healthy budget!

Just the funniest writeup on New Zealand slang you'll ever see. Check it out, bro.

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      1. Yeah nah bro, judder bars are to keep the livestock inside the gate! Speed bumps are to slow suburban traffic, I heard them called sleeping policemen in the UK.
        Also yeah nah and nah yeah are hugely meaningful! But if it doesn’t make sense as a non-native listener they have to listen to the tone and which one gets the emphasis – and the facials that go with it usually do the trick.
        Aye is another one like shot. So many usages, so contextual, so hard to explain.
        Chur for the good work on this glossary, here was me thinking we were a bit hard done by not having the richness of impenetrable slang I met in the UK, but now I see we’re right up there 🙂

        1. Yep we don’t always notice but we do use a ton of slang in our everyday language and foreigners are always quick to point this out to us – every second sentence they need to ask you what something means. Always a good laugh though.

          I can’t believe I forgot Aye – that’s a huge one! Might have to add that one in, although would be almost impossible to explain properly..haha

          As for judder bars – I’ve always used that for speedbumps – perhaps it has a couple different meanings? Never heard it used as a livestock thing before – that’s new to me.

          Anyway, chur for the comment bro!

  1. I literally died at the definitions of Angus and Hungus. In actuality I laughed throughout the whole article! Being from NZ, it’s hard to think that it could be weird to anyone else. I really want to travel now just to see peoples reaction to the way I talk (I 100% exhibit all of the above speaking trends.)

    I think “crack up” is definitely one you’ve missed; I know that would turn a lot of heads.

    I know there’d probably be a few more I could add to the list but they’re so imbedded and normalized to me that I honestly can’t think of them from the top of my head.

    Really great piece, will be taking this with me if I do end up travelling!!

    P.S: I remember in high school when my Graphics design teacher (who is English) said to my class that we all had a propensity to ask “Can I go toilet?” and fully miss the “the” (Can I go to ‘the’ toilet.)

    1. I know that we say that a lot down here in New Zealand, but it’s actually super offensive in a lot of other countries. My friend was telling me how he told his American buddy he was a good cunt and got a look of disbelief. He spent the next half hour trying to explain that it’s actually a compliment and means you’re a really cool guy, and the American telling him he’d probably get his ass beat if he ever said it in America. How weird is that?

  2. Being from Ireland we enjoy a few of these alang words as well, quite a few actually! Maybe it just goes to show how similar we are! But living in NZ, a I’ve noticed a couple missing. What about ‘choice’? A little more in the countryside, but its creeped in quite a lot all over. And im fascinated at how most people throw ‘yeayeayea’ instead if just yes in to a conversation to show they agree with what you’re saying. Little bit of a foreigner’s input to your culture!

  3. There’s heapz of words like, ‘Raxed’-Stolen, or ‘Gappit’-Lets go, or go away,or going. I.e-I’m gonna gappit. 1 on 1’s- 1 on 1 fight. Tose him up-Beat him up. ‘Garks’-lying,lies. ‘Toeys’-Toe jam, ‘Cuzzy’-Cousin. ‘Chur’- Ok, cool, no problem. 1 hitter quiter- Knocked out with 1 hit. ‘Poor hara- Poor person’ ‘Hory’-lacking sophistication or tidiness on oneself, or personality and/or speech. etc etc

    1. Hi Sarah, I had no idea keen was slang, coming to think of it I don’t hear anyone else use it so it must be, however the dictionary has one meaning as “eager” or “with desire” so I guess we’re just one of the few countries who use it like that. Heaps is a true favourite and its good because although it sounds funny to people they usually grasp the meaning quite easily.

  4. Awesome post Bren! Not sure how old you are but you nailed heaps of kiwi slang and sayings! I’m 39 and used “choice” in primary school. I still love saying “sweet as” and probably confuse a few British friends with “yeah nah”. Judder bars are cattle stops at the entrance to farmers driveways and growing up in the Waikato we used the term for those and speed bumps alike.

  5. Aw Bro i was on a martial arts forum and the Americans were talking about rooting themselves, we in nz& Aus call it basing or seating, so you can see where they dialog ended up….down the gurgler… https://nz.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20140227113753AAqDd3F but it is typical , have a read,lol you can spot the kiwi and aussie.

    Cool write up bro, made me laugh.

        1. Sorry but its not loss of knowledge of language its just slang and the way words evolve. Its like how at the moment young kids are saying Whanuk instead of Whanau (family), they know how to say it properly they’re just trying to sound cool. Same with females being called Wahz (short for wahine). Then theres words like skux and bots which come on through Samoan/Tongan influence, Kiwi slang is ever changing. Found this interesting article here:
          http://www.noted.co.nz/life/life-in-nz/lani-writes-the-origins-of-poly-slang/

  6. Good job, on these one of the best so far ive seen, a few u missed that I use all the time, like “Bae” At” or Ata Harry”

    example: JACK: Bae, you up early this morning, did you sh-t the bed? JOHN: yea… JACK: Aaaata Haaaarryy..(word is emphasized in carrying letters mainly the A’s,to reflect emotion- Surprised, or What the Heck? could also mean other emotions depending on how the word is said and/or emphasized )

    Bae: In replacement of “Hey” or who ever you talking too, male/female doesn’t matter

    At: Another word for Nahh or No

    Ex: JOHN can I have 10 dollars please? JACK: At (Word AT is pronounced sharp “What ever”, “No”)

    Another one I use often is Buk & Coin. recently used at a garage sale.

    EX: ME: How bout this thing for 5 buk? SELLER: You got the Coin ME: Yeeah … SELLER: Sweet As (would you take 5 dollars for this item, SELLER: Have you got the money, ME: YES…SELLER: Sure no problem)

    You also forgot the infamous Nek Minit?

    Chur

          1. I usually hear people use “bae” (Pronounced bay) as a shortened version of “babe” or “Baby”. I’ve also heard that it’s an acronym for “before anyone else”.
            It’s often used to address or refer to your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner.

            EXAMPLE 1:
            Eric: “I love you, bae”. (I love you, babe).
            Paul: “Aww, I love you too bae” (I love you too, babe).

            EXAMPLE 2:
            JOHN: “Sup bro, what did you get up to last night?”
            PAUL: “Not much bro, just stayed home with bae”. (I stayed at home with my girlfriend/boyfriend/partner).

          2. Yeah, bae as in “babe” or “baby” is 100% American.
            That being said … be VERY careful (both Kiwi and American) how you use “bae” if you are in Denmark. Over there “bae” mean shite; as in fecal matter, not as in garbage (aka – buggered piece of shite).

  7. This is great. I’d never thought about the slang we use! I’ll have to keep it in mind when I go traveling!! My dad, he’s English, always mocks Kiwis when we use ‘Aye’.
    I’m going to be totally aware of them every time I say them now even when talking to another Kiwi!
    Another one that I can think of, though I highly doubt we used it overseas but whatever, is ‘Bring a plate.’ as in Taking a plate of food to someones house for a pot luck dinner. (I think pot luck maybe one too?) I’ve heard of so many people coming to NZ and being invited to peoples houses and being told to ‘bring a plate’ and literally taking a plate with them without food on it.
    xD

  8. This was my list that I made after doing my Music Education internship in Lower Hutt in 2007. I realize that some of it is British but all I knew is that it definitely wasn’t Canadian, so I wrote it down! 🙂 Love your list!

    Pommy = British
    Boot = trunk of a car
    Bonnet = hood of a car
    Knickers = underwear
    Hard case = funny, cool
    Root = sex
    Ute = utility vehicle
    Pigeon hole = mailbox
    Eftpos = debit/credit machine
    Choice = awesome, sweet, cool
    Refill = loose leaf paper
    Tea = supper
    Supper = late after-dinner snack
    Knackered = really tired
    Oy/oi! = exclamation to get someone’s attention (like “Hey!”)
    Tomato sauce = ketchup
    “I reckon” = “I think (so)”
    Interval = break (i.e. recess, intermission, etc.)
    Dairy = corner store
    Trolley = shopping cart
    sms = text message (stands for “short message service”)
    Jersey = sweater
    Gumboots = rubber boots
    Heaps = tons, lots, etc.
    Flatmate = roommate
    Lollies = candies
    Rubbish = garbage
    “Go to the toilet” = go to the bathroom
    Singlet = tank top
    Trousers = pants
    Beanie = toque
    Togs = bathing suit
    Lounge = living room
    “At the mo” = “at the moment”
    “Sweet as,” “funny as,” etc. = very sweet, funny, etc.
    Pash/snog = to kiss
    Hire = rent
    Naff = passe, out of fashion, lame
    Jandals = flip flops
    Torch = flashlight
    Lamp = lightbulb
    “Jokes!” = an exclamation (i.e. “You’re kidding!” – often preceded by “Ahh,” i.e. “Ahh, jokes!”)
    Pram/pushchair = stroller
    Queue = lineup
    Fringe = bangs
    Indicate = signal (in a car) – (“Be a mate, indicate!”)
    Plait = braid
    Nappy = diaper
    Gutted = defeated, disappointed, deflated, etc.
    Fortnight = 2 weeks
    Sussed = figured out, cased, etc.
    Musos = musicians
    “Monday week” = a week from Monday
    Petrol = gas
    Scroggin/scrummy mix = trail mix
    Muesli = granola (i.e. muesli bars)
    Hash key = pound key on a phone – #
    Ring = phone, call, etc. (i.e. to ring someone)
    Carpark = parking lot
    Bottle shop = liquor store
    Give way = yield
    Arvo = afternoon
    Skux = stud in the making, young potential hottie (haha)
    Notes = bills ($$ – as opposed to coins)
    Mate = friend
    Tenor horn = euphonium/baritone
    Gob = mouth
    Wag = skip school
    “Ahh, true?” = an expression like “Oh, really?”
    Mufti = non-uniform, casual
    Docket = receipt
    RTD = alcohol coolers (stands for “ready to drink”)
    Squab = foam mattress
    Op shop = 2nd hand store
    Diary = day planner, agenda
    Metal road = gravel road
    Layby = rent-to-own
    Hundreds and thousands = sprinkles (for baking)

  9. SHOT Bren your the Man BRO, FAAA I didn’t even realise HEAPS of this was slang, you did a MINT job with this AYE, like it was a HARDOUT crackup TOO THE DAYS CUZZY CHUR CHUR Keep up the CHOICE mahi. But HONEST TO WHO your mocking? YEAH NAH YEAH just TAKING THE PISS OW. Anyway I RECKON that’s a wrap coz I’m HUNGUS as for a FEED now so I better go SUS it out or maybe il just drive to MACCAS nah better not, don’t want those cops to SUS me out on my weetbix license lol.

    Sorry I couldn’t help myself – best read ever

  10. The point about spelling of ‘aye’ is an interesting one. I always spelled it ‘eh’ until I realised there seemed to be a kind of ethnic divide about that once FB gave us that window into seeing people using slang in a written down form. ‘Aye’ tends to be the spelling favoured by Māori/PI and ‘eh’ by Pakeha. Not sure how scientific my observation is. Witi Ihimaera (from memory) used ‘aye’ in his novels and short stories and I think Alan Duff did too, not sure. I use ‘aye’ now, cos it seems to be a bit more widely understood among my mates. Not right, not wrong, just my observation of usage.

  11. Great guide. As a kiwi I can think of a couple of additions.

    Suss can also be used as an adjective meaning it’s pretty suspect. E.g “Yeah that guy is pretty suss. I’d steer clear of him bro.”

    Secondly, when I was in the UK I found that they didn’t know what “shat itself” meant, as in “the TV has shat itself” meaning “the TV has stopped working”

    1. Haha, not 100% sure what you’re referring to but probably when someone says “you beauty!”, the exact meaning will vary but basically you say it when something or someone does something awesome. Example: You haven’t used your barbecue for ages and you’re praying it’s going to work properly, when you turn it on you think it’s broken but then suddenly it fires up and you might go, “aahh you beauty!” That’s the best I can come up with right now, lol.

      1. Both are common! I teach literacy in the workplace and we teach a lot of Kiwi slang if our students aren’t native speakers. ‘Munted’ is another good one, up there with ‘buggered’ though my colleague tells me it can also mean a hangover “Drank a lot last night, I was really munted this morning’. Joker, dag, hard case are good ones. The one that got my Pommie husband was being asked to ‘Bring a plate’. Crook for sick (and ‘under the weather’). Done my dash. Chick for girl and chook for chicken! Dodgy like suss, but also not working properly. “Careful with the car door, the window’s a bit dodgy’. Shoot through. Knackered – like buggered it can mean tired or broken. “Nah, me washing machines knackered! Grog. Dough for money, though I think these two are both English in origin, but still a mystery to many. Flat tack or flat stick for fast or busy. Great list, anyway! I’ll be adding some of them to my list.

    1. Wassup. Yeah, I did think about this one for quite a while, but I decided it really depends on how you say it. For example, just say the sentence “Ummm, yeah, I guess it was pretty cool aye”, the ‘aye’ isn’t really emphasising anything, you just put it there to kind of add some character to the sentence. However if you say it like “Oh man it was so cool aye!” then the emphasis is there, but it’s more about how you said it rather than by function of the aye. Ya dig? That’s how my thought process went anyway.

  12. Primo! or Wicked!. as in that’s Awesome or choice one bro, lol
    Stink bro! or stink one! & bummer aye! lol usually a bad deal or sad to hear that happened,
    or stink one bro! as in that was stupid or I feel sorry for you.
    Wasted!, ya coming out tonight? Na bro to wasted! Usually means ‘too out of it’! lol drunk or on drugs.
    bumming out!, feeling down or shamed. Bummed out!, usually failed at something.
    stink cunt!, describes someone who did something wrong or shamefull.
    strummer!, as in a wanker.
    Got a few more but better leave some for other people, wicked bro 😉

  13. We also use ‘Ooosshhht’ which is usually said when something is awesome 🙂
    i.e. Oooossshhht dats a mean az car aye bey
    Also, ‘Skux’ which is used for a person who has gone over and above the call of duty hahaha
    i.e what a skux guy, dressing hardout for the party… pppssshhtttt hahaha
    Also ‘Hori’ which is used to describe a scruffy or cheap person
    i.e. what a hori guy not wearing a hoodie n gumboots to a ball!
    Also ‘Fullah’ is used in place of using someones name
    i.e. that fullah over there thinks he’s botz

    That’s all I could think of 🙂

  14. This is pretty perfect. So much one forgets about. Some at the start are also British slang I think, but someone’s gotta teach the rest of the world.
    I would add ‘root’ and ‘pash’ for anyone wanting to get lucky with a kiwi.
    You could also add ‘try hard’ and another meaning for ‘buggered’ (e.g. “You buggered it!” = “You broke it.”)
    I would have reduced ‘You reckon?’ and ‘Yeah, I reckon” to their more common forms, “Reckon?” and “Reckon.”
    I’m confused by your spelling of ‘eh?’, but each to their own.
    I’m kinda glad ‘skux’ is not on here, as it was after my time. But if anyone ever comes up with an explanation for it, good on ’em.

  15. Awesome article! Brings back so many memories.

    I went for high school there for a year at Avondale “College” and during break we would go to the dairy for lollies. I thought New Zealand was so cool that the head prefect was allowed to say “Sweet Ass” during assembly and I said that for months till I actually read it somewhere as “Sweet as,” haha. Good times.

    Add “lollies”!

        1. Where I come from they are called wife beaters. (Canada) When I got here I had no idea what a singlet was. Or a lolly either, though it wasn’t as difficult to guess. My second day here, I had this conversation with a store clerk.
          Me: Thank you very much.
          Her: Sweet as.
          Me: Sweet as what?
          Her: What are you talking about?
          Me: Sorry, what are you talking about? I think I didn’t hear you properly… sweet as what?
          Her: I don’t get it.
          Me: Thank you very much. Bye now.

  16. Great round up! Tiki Tour should def make the list. ‘Spoon’ as a mild insult – “Ya spoon!” Bach / Crib (depending on North Island or South Island) for a holiday house. Shingle (gravel) road. Dunga – usually a beat up old car. “Shall we take the Subaru tonight?” “Nah, lets take the old dunga”
    Got to say, I have never ever heard someone say ‘To the days’ Maybe it is a regional slang?

      1. not too sure about that, im 28 from CHCH i remember back in about the late 90’s/early 2000’s the wannabe youth gangs crips and bloods here was becoming a pretty big thing and in the early 2000’s is when I first started hearing cuz before that was simply just “Bro”.. Ive always known this was an American crip slang before then it startyed becoming more widespread.. but yea regardless of where it originated just saying its not an exclusively NZ slang..the crips have been around since the 80’s I dont think i recall cuz that long ago..

      1. Hey! Great blog bud, really good. As a Maori I can shed a little light on the above spelling/pronunciation of “ow”. How you choose to post it to be pronounced is entirely up to as it comes from the tv show Brotown. The word originally comes from the shortening of the Maori word “ehoa”. Ehoa is like a term for friend and has been shortened to a quickly spoken “e-ah” sound. The over-pronounced version of “e-ah” eventuated to ‘e-oh’ which the sound “ow” makes reference to on the tv show. Typically, family of mine from Gisbourne (I’m an Aucklander) will use “e-ah” in everyday conversation and not “ow”. Thanks!

  17. Love it!
    Add: munted
    Bogan
    Rachet
    Huss (as in being a hussy, or Huss it!)
    Legit
    Skux
    Tiki tour
    Crack up
    Cher (like the mixture of cheers, chur or yeah)
    Durrys?
    Mish
    Yeah nah to me is also like a nice way of declining an invitation. It’s saying no in such a way that isn’t offensive. Like “bro im gonna go get some durries, wanna come for a mish?” “aw Yeah? Yeah nah, nah I’m gonna chill”

  18. Good post bro.

    How i see these 3 sayings.

    “Ow” – i think it came from Nth England (Geordies) & Scots working with Maori. The Scots have an old word – “Oor” & Geordies is “Wor” – it means “our/ours/mine/my”. Combined with a maori accent & decades of repetitive use, you get Ow …our bro/my bro, shutup ow/shutup (man/mate/friend/dummy)

    “Aye” – actually is properly spelt “eh” – old english.
    Means the same thing … question/questioning/affirming statement…. depends on context & how it is said.
    And “aye” is already a word – aye aye captain.

    “Yeah nah” …. usually said when you are either agreeing with what is being said …but not with the conclusion –
    ( so i asked her … yeah …. if she thought … yeah … that John was faking it …..
    …. yeah yeah nah, he just doesn’t like showing off), or when you just don’t want to take part in something/anything.

    My fav one is still – “Oh eh” (oh aye):-/
    Just means “oh really” – changes with context & use.

  19. I know Australia use this too but the word “Oi!!!” used to stop/get someones attention. 😀 use it on my music pupils all the time… also used as a “what are you doing type of a thing?” as well. I.e. Ooooiiiiiii, just left at that. said real slow and in a low pitch.
    “manus” i.e ” Oi Rangi! Ya manus!” read idiot,… etc…
    “She’ll be right” springs to mind as well. – all good. 😀
    I’m sure there’s more but that’ll do for now i reckon.

  20. Later – as in goodbye. Or see you again.
    Jnr: gotta jet bro, catcha later. (I have to leave rather quickly, will catch up with the news another time.)
    John: Yeah bro, laters!

    And I think the term ‘Yeah nah’ is letting the person down easy. But without all the excuses/chitchat. Similar to ‘Yes I thought about but it no thank you unfortunately I will have to decline the offer/thought etc’

    OR in agreement – Yes I know what you mean but that’s not it.

  21. “ow” is more likely spelt au, but I always struggled with how to actually spell it.But the meaning you have listed is way off. In the early 90s when it was used a lot by me and many others it was like bro or cuz. It’s not just an add on of no meaning.

    And yeah, nah totally has meaning. It is like “I hear what you are saying, but no I disagree”

        1. Its German. During the early to mind 1900’s it because pretty much the signature chant of the Nazi Party, meaning “Hail Victory!” during the Hitler era .
          Now days world knows it as a skin head, White socialist movement thing.
          Maybe in the north island its considered a mob thing, but south island and rest of the world it goes with white socialist’s .

          Achtzig und acht!

      1. It’s a Mongrel Mob saying they stole.
        It is actually “Sieg Heil” …
        …ridiculous eh?!!
        They used it to be offensive because it is was & is used by Nazis & neo-nazis.
        I just think it’s f’ng stupid using the words of racists, especially when you are brown skinned. Not only are they being offensive to their own race but they’re just idiots.
        Hitler & his nazis would have had us brown skinned people killed & not thought twice about it.

  22. I am a kiwi living in Sydney..I use “rattle ya dags” to my kids all the time. My Aussie husband uses it now too. It actually comes from the fact that the shit from the sheep would get caught on the wool and dry in to ball like shapes called Dags. After some time, there is several balls hanging down, and when the sheep runs, the balls (now hard) make a rattling sound…Hence ,”Rattle Ya dags”) That’s why farmers have a “dagging” session, when they trim/shear all the wool around the arse of a sheep, so to stop this Dag build up…and then flies…and then fly blown sheep get sick and die….not good.
    “Puku” another great common word (pokoo, (not sure if I spelt that right) when referring to the kids tummy. A very common word (Maori word for Tummy) used through out my childhood 60’s – 90’s and all my family and friends
    “Wondered what it was.” (said really quickly) I said this when I was living in Scotland, they had no idea what I was saying. It runs together really well…
    How about
    “Brassed off”…..(not happy about something)
    “Too Easy” (not hard to do) my plumber used that all the time…!
    Had loads of fun reading all the comments……..thanks

  23. You missed “Not here to f**k spiders” commonly used by tradesmen (and Peter Jackson apparently) to mean “not here to mess around” e.g. “Wow you got that done quickly!”
    ” I’m not here to f**k spiders mate!” Translation, I don’t mess about.
    Or “Get on with it boys we aren’t here to f**k spiders!!” Translation we aren’t here to stuff around.

  24. LOVED this haha! I’ve learnt since moving overseas that these two things often get weird looks too!

    1) Munted: meaning broken, ruined, unusable, wrecked e.g “I munted my new shoes last night, bro”

    2) OTP: acronym for “On The Piss”. This is a popular acronym overseas that means “One True Pairing” so you can see the LOLS when this gets mistranslated

  25. There’s also “mung” which is used to describe a cruisey journey to location. And “fang” which is used when the journey is quick. Can also be used in past tense.
    Example:
    Jon “Keen to come get on the wets at Dave’s place?”
    Jack “Yea bro, I’ll mung over soon”

    Dave “Keen to come sink at my Whare tonight? The boys are shouting a keg”
    Jon ” Yea bro, I’ll fang over asap!”

  26. Bowl – “Bowl out round the bays” (Go, travel)
    Howzit goin?
    Patu – “His car’s patu as” (Crappy)
    Sesh – “Come for a sesh” (session)
    Jit – “Bro, I gotta jit” (leave)
    Bae – “Ow, whatchu doing bae?” (like bro)
    Pikelet – “Pikelets for smoko” (Small pancake)
    Tramping – “Went tramping in the wops” (Hiking)
    Bach – “Heading to the bach for the holidays” (Cabin, holiday house)
    Ta – “Ta for that” (Thank you)
    Stoked – “Got that job! I’m stoked” (Happy, excited)
    Dodgy – “Oh bro, that ham’s a bit dodgy” (untrustworthy)
    Hard Case – “His mum’s hard case” (likeable, entertaining)
    Gawk – “What are you gawking at?” (look, stare)
    Skint – “Can you shout this round? I’m a bit skint bro” (broke, penniless)
    Knackered – “I’m knackered” (tired)
    Squizz – “Gizza squizz at that” (look)

    There’s so many!! No wonder the rest of the world doesn’t understand us. Add on the accent and it must all sound like “Drubble”! Haha.

    Good story bro.

  27. This going back a bit and dont think its still common but at high school ‘plaque’ and ‘cabbage’ were popular.

    ‘Bro my uncle just got got an HQ that can spin the wheels at a hundy K’s’
    ‘You are so full of plaque man’ ( you talk so much shit)

    ‘Mr Smith just caught me tagging the pool shed. One weeks detention bro’
    Thats cabbage az aye! ( Thats not good is it)

  28. Hey Bren, great guide!
    I haven’t got any other suggestions, but thought I’d give you my take on ‘ow’ because I’ve never seen its origin explained yet.
    When I grew up in the 60’s we would often append the phrase ‘e hoa’ (friend) to our sentences. “You coming with us, e hoa?” or “E hoa! Where you going?” Coming from Taranaki we dropped our H’s, so it came out ‘e’oa’. I can still remember being aware of it becoming something like ‘air-ow’, then ‘ow’ over the years. The usage seemed to died out, and I never heard it again until the Bro Town series began on TV.
    Keep up the good work.

  29. Excellent. I’d make two comments. “Ow” is probably a transliteration of the Maori word, “ehoa” – which could translate as”mate” or “fella”. If you pronounce it properly with a good Maori accent it comes out pretty close to “ow”. So when someone says “Ow”, they’re “Bro”.

    I reckon what you spell as “Aye” should be “Eh”. “Aye” would be pronounced, “Eye” as in “Aye Aye, Captain”.. I know heaps of people write it “Aye” but I reckon that’s stink and they’re wrong, Bro.

        1. If we were using the dictionary none of these definitions would be here. Although I agree aye is pronounced eye its also true that aaaayyyeeee is a common slang – its an interjection expressing disbelief at what one just heard or observed on a par with wtf.
          I just use “ay” and everyone knows what I mean ay? Slang is phonetic and e and h stuck together does not look like ay, ay?

    1. Milton – YOU know what you’re talking about, but this isn’t a guide for you.

      And when you have an article that tells people “this is how things are”, if it isn’t corrected, ignorance is spread.

      When I read “Aye”, I presume people know what they are doing and mean “Yes”

      And second anonymous – agree. I always thought it was a variation of Māori terms too.

      Basically, if you are going to teach someone something, make sure you have got it right.

  30. That was great, the only one I disagree with is “yea, nah”. To me it’s always used to agree but decline.

    Example:
    Allan: “Dude, let’s go out tonight, it’s gonna be mean as!”
    Steve: “Yea, na, I’m just gonna chill at home tonight”. (Translation: “Yea, it’d probably be mean, but I’m just gonna take it easy tonight”)

  31. This is really good. I dunno if you got these ones cause I couldn’t be f’d reading through the posts but theres;

    true, nah, gee, stobbit, fullah, sorry bout it, not even, hard, shame, bummed out, neh, hook us up, stoked, tryhard, ugs, munted, this guy, clown, egg, scab, dry, crack up, and of course a ‘hiding’.

    Can’t remember them all cause there’s heaps oi. And just FYUselessI I remember when Churr was pronounced like Cheh (close to chair but not) it was short for chehcheh which means awesome.

    Cheh bro

    1. Heard about 80% of these in the mighty Manawatu but some of the meanings are a little different. For example, “Yeah nah” is normally only used in situations where you’re basically saying that yes, you could do something, but nah that would be stupid because either it won’t work or the repercussions of doing it wouldn’t be great.

      Others like “To the days” and “Honest to who?” – never heard of those!

  32. If i said this will anybody know what um saying in a full kiwi an i speak like thus everyday

    sup bro keen for maccas gee bring the cuz too jus chuck on some jandals its algoods faaa its something aye aitte then chur to much bro but no money lol just gap aye ohh naaaaaaah ?

    if anybody understood that convo layout translate btw there might be a few other slang words inside aswell
    good luck

  33. awesome!! There’s also
    1. hhhaaffftttooo – which means of course or have to
    eg. John: Are you coming to the party tonight
    Tim: Haaffffttttooo (of course)

    2. care – whih really translates to ‘i don’t care’
    eg. Cindy: Did you see that, she looked like she was about to cry
    Samantha: care (I don’t care)

    I don’t know if this is only in Auckland….

  34. ..reminded me of my short time living in convict country ( auzzie ) where no one understood anything that came out my mouth, neither auzzie nor anyone else..my names Ben…what? Bin? No Ben…. oh Bean.. No its f#$×÷n Ben.. even with all our cool/quirky, individualist slang, im damb sure the auzzies bastardized the English language worse then we ever could.
    Churr….cuzzyz…kia kaha….now sound out the word ” BLAAGH ” and at the same time, try touch your chin with your tounge

  35. what about “mission” as a verb? As a Canadian, that’s one of my favourite things that I can only get away with saying in NZ. Like, “We’re missioning up to the top of that huge hill”. Also, I was once told by a friend back home that I had to, and I quote, “stop trying to make ‘heaps’ happen”. I hope other non-Kiwis have had better luck exporting phrases.

  36. I am aussie brought up with middle eastern people and i have been hanging around my kiwi neighbours for a couple of weeks and I can honestly say I have been doing quite well with the slang thanks to an old friend from high school who is maori. I have been giving them middle eastern food on their visits, I have to laugh because they keep saying thats a mean as boil up. I now know boil up means slow cooked food on the stove.

  37. Heres a mixture of sayings from around nz
    Up2? – what are your doing?
    Neat alright! – that’s really cool!
    cruise cuzzie! Or get lost – go away
    Poo ow – you’re lying
    Thats hoooow bad! – thats really really cool
    Take it easy – calm down
    Cut it out – kinda like calm down
    Hangi pants – maori slang used for someone that is sleeping with heaps of ppl
    Get out! – whatever!
    pretty much! – to strongly agree with a question that you asked as if to say yes
    Nek minnit – this guy walks in NEK MINNIT falls over ( like saying next minute)….now I had a russian friend use this line and hes been king ever since!

    Its funny when you realize how much we talk slang! I was in Atlanta and used “yeah man, keen az!” I cracked up when I saw their vacant faces…..

  38. Much of this seems right, but some is a bit dopey, and not so much established kiwi slang as just the fashion of one (millennial) generation, and as such will drop out of usage pretty quickly. Of course, it’s a young person compiling this, so they think it is universal, just because it’s in wide usage among their groups of friends, or their generation.

    And nobody spells “eh” as “aye”! That’s just dumb! Aye is what Scotsmen say.

      1. I guess the point being that only Kiwi’s will understand what is being said.
        Our sentence structure has developed in such a way that can often be confusing to others, especially when interspersed with Maori words and local idioms.
        It’s a good point that slang and turn-of-phrase dies off or fades into the background but it takes a number of years (sometimes generations) before the meaning is totally lost on a population. Therefore it seems appropriate to include as many as possible – disregarding some of the downright stupid ones of course.

  39. Hi! I’m italian and I do subtitles for an italian site. We are now translating a movie from New Zealand: “What we do in the shadows” which is brilliant and hilarious!
    Unfortunately i bumped into a word I have absolutely no idea what’s its meaning!
    The word is “Jacksersist”. A woman is speaking on the phone with a friend (I think) from High School, and she doesn’t remember her, so she says: “you used to call me the Jacksersist”.
    I think it has something to do with “The Exorcist”, but I’m not sure… maybe it’s a slang for… something?
    Thank you thank you very much if you can solve this for me 🙂

  40. more westie phrases and old sayings……ponsy (posh), poxy (pathetic), Jaffa (Aucklander), scody (foul or unpleasant), westie, bogan or druff / scruff (westie), hardcore (hard-out), die-hard (something that has lasted a long time), try-hard (someone who tries too hard), staunch (describing tough person), straight-edge (describing person who doesn’t partake), wheels (vehicle), shades or sunnies (sunglasses), scholar (studious person), got the munchies (hungry), stunned mullet (surprised person), stoner (drug addict), piss-head or alki (alcoholic), f*%@n oath! (agreed), “is THAT right?” (I’m listening), munter or bush pig (unattractive person), shame! no shame! or shame-ola! (you should be embarrassed), Get your A into G (get your ass into gear or get organised)…….Also if you are kiwi, be aware that pegs sounds like pigs to anyone from UK. Just expect sideways glances if you mention the pigs on the clothes line. And if you refer to petrol as gas they will presume that you are talking about passing wind (blowing off)

  41. “Funds”
    Ow bro got any funds? Or Have you got some funds
    Translation- ow bro got any money?

    “Catch you up”
    Ow cuzz catch u up!
    Translation – Goodbye or could mean “get lost” or Cruise it
    Or “Catch up”could also mean your dumb and you need to get with the program.

    Get out of town or your full of it
    Translation – you telling lies

    “Weehaa”
    Sentence filler or your in shock
    “Weehaa” where you been”?
    “Weehaa” what you up too?

    There’s so many more…

  42. I am a kiwi living in Aussie and I can tell you, our language is lost on them. Here are a few choice examples –

    Me: Hey does anyone have a duvet or eiderdown I can borrow?
    Aussie housemates: What!!???
    Me: A duvet?
    Aussie Housemates: (confused look on their faces)
    Me: You know, a duvet? (like saying it 3 times would render a different response)
    Me: (frustrated by the blank look on their faces) you know, a top blanket which goes on the top of your bed???
    Aussie housemates: Oh you mean a dooner!!!

    Later
    Me: Where is your chilly bin?
    Housemate: the what??
    Me: (here we go again) A chilly bin??? You know, the thing that keeps your food and booze cold!!!
    Housemate: oh, you mean an esky!!

    Sometime later

    Me: Hey where can I buy some jandals?
    Aussie housemate: What??
    Me: Jandals. They’re like sandals but are made of rubber and don’t have any straps.
    Aussie housemate: Ohhhh, thongs!!

    And don’t get me started on deck, six or fish and chips!!!

  43. Ha… just found it… surprise, actually… from Google via http://maoridictionary.co.nz/word/7117 … taihoa Play
    1. (interjection) by and by, wait, don’t … yet.

    Taihoa e kai kia karakiatia te hākari e te minita! / Don’t eat until the minister has blessed the banquet!
    (Te Kākano Textbook (Ed. 2): 111;)

    See also taihoa ake, taihoa [koe] ka kite

    Nice eh? (aye!)

    1. It’s correct “tie-hoe” from the Maori “taihoa” meaning “wait” or “not yet”. That’s quite an old, distinctly NZ slang, that has almost fallen out of use except in southern parts of NZ or amongst older people.
      I don’t think any of the younger generation would know the term.
      Amongst Maori it was never a slang word and is always pronounced in the Maori phonetic.

  44. This is a bit late, but I was reading your comments re how your American friend was not cool with calling him a ‘good c**t” – My American friend got really offended when I told him in his younger days he was ‘built like a brick shit house’ which to me, was a compliment. To him, it’s a term they use in the USA to describe an incredibly ugly solid built woman XD You have to be careful!!

  45. Too much Bren! Had me crackin’ up, missin’ home and grateful I grew up in Aotearoa. Since being oversea’s “Egg” always catches me out (Positive and negative context). “Whatta Egg!” *blank expression response*….next conversation. Haha. As per your experience you never know how incredulously unique kiwi slang is until you’re overseas. All the best on your tiki my brother! A well written article 🙂

  46. I’m writing a book and one of my characters is a New Zealander nice to know i can now confidently slip in a little slang now and then to give him a bit more personality… funny thing is I’m from Manchester England and like 98% of these phrases are the same as ours… not sure on the history of why that is but it’s gonna be easier for me to write now i’ll just make him talm like me lol. Thanks for the info.

  47. Love this post, it’s awesome!!
    Reading them just made me crack up. I’m a Kiwi staying here in the UK, have managed to get a couple of people to use some of these terms but the rest don’t understand our mean Kiwi slang. :p
    Some other ones I thought of were:
    ‘oh sorry then’
    ‘what an extra’
    ‘bots’
    ‘dry’
    ‘blues’
    Not sure if all of these are still being used though.

  48. This post is indeed mint. As a Canadian who’s lived in NZ for 5 years now, I wish I’d found it sooner! Some of my favorites not mentioned are ‘pack a sad’, ‘cark it’ and ‘faaaaar out’. I mean, we have the concept of ‘far out’ in Canada but nobody would use it in modern times, LOL. I was really taken aback at how often Kiwis say ‘aye’, just the same as us Canucks (although we spell it ‘eh’) – makes a person feel right at home.

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