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!