Kiwi sayings
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
Here are some common Kiwi slang words and their meanings.
Slang, Jargon, Colloquialisms, Sayings, Kiwi, Kiwiana, Language, Otorohanga
Yeah right
Said to someone if you don’t really believe what they are saying.
Alexander Turnbull Library
Good on ya, mate
‘Well done’ or ‘I approve’. The word ‘mate’ is like ‘bro’ (brother or good friend).
Alexander Turnbull Library
Beaut / beauty
Great, excellent, very good / Good on you
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Choice
Awesome, the best, ‘That’s a great choice for you to have made’.
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
She'll be right
Things will be fine; don't worry.
Alexander Turnbull Library
No worries
This means no problem! If someone helps you and you say thank you they may reply ‘no worries’.
Trove
Bob's your uncle
"And there you have it", "Everything is all right", "Your success is guaranteed".
SOUNZ
Chocka / Choc-a-bloc
Something being full or overflowing
Alexander Turnbull Library
Blow me down
Expression of surprise
Alexander Turnbull Library
Blimmin'
Another way of saying the cuss word "bloody" - e.g. "Blimmin' heck!"
Alexander Turnbull Library
Yeah - na
"Kind of" or if you get what someone's saying, but don't agree or are indecisive.
Alexander Turnbull Library
Eh
Promounced "ay" "Wow, it's really hot today, eh?" Added to end of sentence when expecting an answer.
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Bludge
Evade work, scrounge from others
Alexander Turnbull Library
All hui and no doey
All talk and no action
Alexander Turnbull Library
Dodgy
Out of date or stale, or it can refer to a person who looks suspicious or unreliable.
Alexander Turnbull Library
Gutted
Disappointed
Radio New Zealand
Clean as a whistle
Very clean; sparkling clean. "Ahh, that was a lovely shower. I feel clean as a whistle!”
TV3
Bring a plate
Bring a portion of food for everyone to share
Alexander Turnbull Library
Banger
Sausage - '“We’re having bangers and mash for dinner tonight” (sausages and mashed potato)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Dairy
Small store selling day-to-day essentials including milk, bread & tinned food, as well as ice-creams, lollies etc
Hamilton City Libraries
Big smoke
A city, particularly a large city with big factories producing smoke.
Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira
Wops or Wop-wops
In the backblocks; a place in the middle of nowhere
E-Tangata
Boohai
A place that is in the middle of nowhere
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Tiki tour
Scenic tour; take the long route
Radio New Zealand
Find out more:
Otorohanga (Kiwiana Town)
The town centre's exhibits includes a Kiwi slang poster
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Kiwi slang
Radio New Zealand
Shot bro! The greatest hits of Kiwi lingo
Radio New Zealand
This DigitalNZ story was created after visiting Otorohanga which has Kiwiana on display in its town centre, including a poster listing Kiwi slang: https://kiwianatown.co.nz/kiwiana-displays-in-otorohanga/