Here’s our at-a-glance guide to 30 popular Kiwi words and sayings. Like many English-speaking countries, New Zealand has its own special Kiwi words and phrases which are frequently used in daily conversation.
Kiwi words to describe how you feel
Good as (gold) – excellent
Boomer – excellent
Choice – fantastic
Stoked – very pleased
Slutted – greatly annoyed
Sweet as – cool, awesome
Right as rain – perfect
Kiwi words for common objects or items
Jandals – flip flops (if you are British); thongs (if you are Aussie)
Togs – swimming costume
Arvo – afternoon
Anklebiter – small child
Bach – pronounced ‘batch’. Holiday home
Chilly bin – insulated bag for keeping food or beer cool
Chook – chicken
Chuddy – chewing gum
Handle – large glass of beer
Tramp – a hike, trek, long walk usually lasting several days
Greasies – fish and chips
Hard case – joker, comedian
Sunnies – sunglasses
Dag – amusing person or situation
Kiwi sayings
Gorse in your pocket – slow to pay
Give it a burl – try it
Rattle your dags – hurry up
She’ll be right – everything will work out fine
Pack a sad – to become moody, to break
Source: New Zealand Holiday Travel
