Let me set the scene: You arrive in New Zealand and overhear this conversation:
“Tramping in jandals was so dodgy mate; I was out in the Wop-Wops for holiday and almost broke my foot!”
Confused? Although they speak English, if you don’t know the New Zealand lingo, it might sound like a foreign language to you.
Here are some common words and favorite phrases used by the Kiwi’s that will help you fit in and sound like a native on your trip!
Dodgy: Sketchy, dysfunctional
Heaps: Tons, a lot of
Biscuit: Cookie
Mate: Friend
Sweet As: Awesome! Cool!
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Example: “I got a present from my sister today!” “Aw, sweet as, man!”
Porridge: Oatmeal
Crisps: Chips
Chips: French Fries
Milkshake: Flavored milk (If you want an American Milkshake, ask for a thickshake, with very little milk)
Jelly: Jell-o
Tomato Sauce: Ketchup (they say tomato like “toe-mat-oh”)
Dairy: Grocery store or corner store
Papers: Classes or courses
Holiday: Vacation
Kia Ora: Hello, Welcome, Thank you
Jandals: Flip Flops
Tramping: Hiking
Eh: Literally how all questions end
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Example: The weather’s nice today eh?
Wop-Wops: Middle of nowhere
Yeah, nah bro: indecisive phrase
Next time you’re talking to a kiwi you’ll sound like a native when you grab heaps of biscuits and tomato sauce at the dairy before you go tramping with your mates in the wop-wops! Enjoy your time in New Zealand!
xx Nicole #DoStuff
Check out my other tips for New Zealand:
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[…] Language: English is the dominant language spoken here, although you may hear a few Maori words thrown into conversation like “Kia Ora” (welcome, hello) or “whānau” (family). Kiwi slang and unique sayings might also have you a little confused so check out this article for some helpful tips. 20 things people from New Zealand say […]