New Zealand English has many words and phrases that newcomers might need help in translating.
| Ankle-biter |
Toddler, small child |
| Aotearoa |
Māori name for New Zealand |
| Arvo |
Afternoon |
| Bach/crib |
Holiday home |
| Barbie |
Barbecue |
| Bloke |
Man |
| Bro/mate |
Friend |
| Bugger! |
Damn! |
| BYO |
Bring your own - a restaurant where you can bring your own wine |
| Cheers |
Thanks/goodbye |
| Choice |
Good, cool |
| Chook |
Chicken |
| Chips |
Deep fried potato, thicker than French fries, also packets of crisps |
| Crook |
Feel ill, sick |
| Dag |
Comedian, colourful personality |
| Dairy |
Corner store, convenience store |
| Dodgy |
Bad, unreliable |
| Drongo |
Idiot |
| Duvet |
Quilt, comforter, dooner |
| Flannel |
Wash cloth, face cloth |
| Flicks |
Movies |
| Flog |
Steal, rob |
| G’day/gidday |
Hello |
| Good on ya, mate |
Congratulations, well done |
| Hard case |
Tough but likeable person |
| Hottie |
Hot water bottle |
| Hui |
Māori word for meeting |
| Jandals |
Rubber sandals, flip flops or thongs |
| Jumper |
Sweater, jersey |
| Kindy |
Kindergarten |
| Kai |
Māori word for food |
| Kiwi |
A New Zealander |
| Kia ora |
Māori greeting |
| Knackered |
Exhausted |
| Koha |
Māori word for donation |
| Lurgy |
Flu |
| Offsider |
Assistant |
| Perve |
To stare |
| Pot luck |
A social gathering where all guests bring food to share |
| Prezzie |
Present, gift |
| Rellies |
Family or relatives |
| Ropeable |
Extremely angry |
| Sammie |
Sandwich |
| Skite |
To boast, brag |
| Skive off |
Leave work early |
| Spud |
Potato |
| Squiz |
Take a quick look |
| Stirrer |
Trouble maker |
| Sweet as |
Fine, good |
| Sook |
Sentimental or emotional person |
| Takeaways |
Fast food taken away and eaten |
| Tights |
Pantyhose |
| Togs |
Swimsuit, bathing costume |
| Wag |
Leave school early, not go to school |
| Wally |
A clown, silly person |
| Whinge |
Complain |
| Wop-wops |
Off the beaten track, out of the way |
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