We Kiwis are a relaxed bunch – it can take some getting used to, we know. So, this helpful guide is designed to help you unravel the mysteries of Kiwi-speak before you arrive to study in New Zealand. Sweet as!
Not only do we have a pretty thick accent (“fush and chups”, anyone?), but we have some very unique turns of phrase that can leave visitors scratching their heads! Let us break it down for you, so you can understand what’s being said in your homestay and at school while you’re here in Auckland.
Chur bro
An expression of thanks, roughly translated as “thank you, friend”.
Sweet as
A positive affirmation meaning “all good” or “nice one”.
Yeah, nah
It’s how we say “yes” and “no” – that’s confusing!
Yes = “Yeah nah, the weekend was primo” or “I had a good weekend”.
No = “Yeah nah, I’ll think about it, eh” or “No, I don’t want to”.
Kia ora
A Māori greeting meaning “hello”.
Eh
Pronounced “ay”, we like to add it to the end of any question, like this, “I’ll see you tonight, eh?”.
Choice / Mean
Two different ways to say amazing, awesome, fantastic, etc.
Togs
The Kiwi word for swimwear.
Jandals
How we refer to flip flops. We don’t just wear them to the beach, we wear them everywhere!
Tu meke
A Māori phrase, literally translated as “too much”. We use it to say “no way” or “far out”, both terms of shock or surprise.
Primo / Mint
Two ways to say “really, really good” in New Zealand.
Hard Out
Meaning “yes, I absolutely agree with you”. Of course!
Dairy
The local corner store where you can buy an ice cream, drink, or pie. These stores are found everywhere in New Zealand.
Gutted / Stink one
Meaning “I’m disappointed”.
Stoked
How Kiwis say we’re “happy”.
Cuz(zie)
Cuz or cuzzie is short for “cousin”, but generally means “mate” or “friend”. An alternative to “bro”.
No sweat / No worries / All good
Three different ways to say “it’s not a problem”.
Kai
The Māori word for “food”.
Hard case / Crack up
Something or someone amusing or funny – “it was hard case, bro” or “she’s a crack up”.
She’ll be right
What we mean is, “it will all be okay”.
Yeah, right
An expression of disbelief, “I don’t believe you”.
Not even
Meaning “not true”.
Ta
A quick way to say “thank you”.
Keen
Often “keen as”, a very enthusiastic way of saying “yes”.
We hope that helps you decipher some of the weird and wonderful things we New Zealanders say, and don’t sweat it if you can’t understand us at first. Just remember, she’ll be right!
