Learning Kiwi Slang: A Fun Guide for Newcomers

Moving to New Zealand is an exciting adventure, but adjusting to the local way of speaking can be a challenge. Kiwis have a unique vocabulary filled with slang and colloquialisms that may leave newcomers scratching their heads. Here’s a fun guide to help you navigate Kiwi slang and sound like a local in no time.

1. Kia Ora

  • Meaning: Hello, thank you, or good health (Māori origin).
  • Usage: “Kia ora! How’s your day going?”

2. Sweet As

  • Meaning: Awesome, great, or no problem.
  • Usage: “That’s sweet as, mate!”

3. Chur

  • Meaning: Thanks, cheers, or an expression of approval.
  • Usage: “Chur for the ride, bro.”

4. Togs

  • Meaning: Swimsuit.
  • Usage: “Don’t forget your togs for the beach.”

5. Bach

  • Meaning: A holiday home or cottage.
  • Usage: “We’re staying at the bach this weekend.”

6. Wop-Wops

  • Meaning: A remote or rural area.
  • Usage: “They live out in the wop-wops.”

7. Jandals

  • Meaning: Flip-flops.
  • Usage: “It’s too hot for shoes; I’m wearing my jandals.”

8. Chocka

  • Meaning: Full or crowded.
  • Usage: “The car park was chocka today.”

9. Suss

  • Meaning: To figure out or sort something out.
  • Usage: “I’ll suss it out and let you know.”

10. Skux

  • Meaning: Cool, attractive, or stylish.
  • Usage: “He’s looking pretty skux in that suit.”

11. Heaps

  • Meaning: A lot.
  • Usage: “There were heaps of people at the party.”

12. Dag

  • Meaning: A funny or quirky person (originally referred to a bit of wool stuck to a sheep).
  • Usage: “You’re such a dag!”

13. No Worries

  • Meaning: It’s all good, no problem.
  • Usage: “Thanks for helping!” “No worries!”

14. Hard Out

  • Meaning: Totally or absolutely.
  • Usage: “That movie was hard out funny.”

15. Eh

  • Meaning: A phrase-ending tag used to seek agreement or emphasize a statement.
  • Usage: “It’s a beautiful day, eh?”

16. Cheers

  • Meaning: Thanks or goodbye.
  • Usage: “Cheers for the help, mate.”

17. Gutted

  • Meaning: Very disappointed.

Usage: “I was gutted when I missed the concert.”

18. Bro/Sis

  • Meaning: A casual way to address a friend (not necessarily a sibling).
  • Usage: “What’s up, bro?” or “How’s it going, sis?”

19. Hoon

  • Meaning: Drive fast or recklessly.
  • Usage: “He was hooning down the street.”

20. Flat Out

  • Meaning: Very busy or going as fast as possible.
  • Usage: “I’ve been flat out with work this week.”

Learning Kiwi slang is a great way to connect with locals and immerse yourself in New Zealand culture. Don’t be afraid to use these phrases—Kiwis appreciate the effort and will likely give you a friendly “Chur” for trying. Before long, you’ll be chatting like a true Kiwi!

SHARE US ON
Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
RECENT POSTS