A trip to Aotearoa would not be right without some knowledge of how to understand the Maori language [which is more commonly referred to as Te Reo ] and our unique slang. In a previous post, I shared some reasons why a trip downunder would be a “choice” trip that I’m sure many would enjoy.
A few important words to learn – in Te Reo [Maori]:
Kia Ora – Hello
Morena – Good Morning
See you later – Kite koe i muri
Good – Kai Pai
Food – Kai
For more http://maoridictionary.co.nz
Then I thought it might be a good idea to share some of our different sayings with prospective visitors. Without further ado. Let’s check out a quick translation guide to Kiwi slang to assist while touring around our beautiful country.
Sweet as: This means something is “good”. “All good, mate!”
Good as gold: “Great” or “cool”. It actually might get you thinking, why gold is “good”. Did we forget about the phrase “money is the root of all evil”?
Choice: Can mean “good”, “great”, or “awesome”. It is more prevalent among young people than in older generations. Which I am forever grateful!
Mint: See “choice”. Whenever I hear it, I can’t help but think of Minties, which is a hard lolly and a favourite to have on a roadtrip. Another word that is not used so much by the older generation *whew*
Hard out: This is a fancy way of expressing amazement. I have no idea as to its origins. There’s an Urban Dictionary entry for it, but understanding it requires more patience.
She’ll be right: Another way of saying “everything will be OK.” Just don’t ask me who “she” is. I have no idea!
Dairy: A convenience store usually in abundance in the suburbs. I know, I know the first time you hear it, you will think, “Where are the damned cows”.
Bro: Now, this is one of New Zealand’s most universal words bandied around in all walks of life. You get to use it in a sentence to someone who has no relation to you at all and definitely not your brother.
Crook: If you are feeling unwell, some kind of New Zealander may come up to you and ask if you are a “crook”. So, don’t go thinking that they are referring to you as a villain or rogue. They just want confirmation that you are indeed not well!
Bach: Usually a rustic, small, modest holiday home or beach house. (pronounced ‘batch‘) It is also called a crib in the southern half of the South Island. Check out https://www.bookabach.co.nz/
Chocka: This can mean “full” or “packed,” usually referring to a rugby or other sports game. For example, “Eden Park will be chocka for the All Blacks game.”
Pineapple lumps: Chocolate-covered chewy candy. My biggest question is how on earth they got called Pineapple Lumps, as they don’t taste like pineapple! I am not a fan of lollies. It is also to be noted that the Squire does NOT agree with me regarding my opinion of pineapple lumps.
Chocolate Fish and Jaffas: They are about as relevant to mention as the pineapple; I won’t describe them and shall let you discover their delights when you bite into them.
Jandals: commonly known in many other countries as thongs or flip-flops. It is a famous footwear for many Kiwis.
Suss: If someone says they’ll “suss it out,” it means that they’ll work it out.
Tramping: Usually going for long walks in the bush or wops-wops. Referred to as hiking in other countries.
Wop-wops: The middle of nowhere. Our favourite place to venture!
Tiki tour: A phrase that is used in place of “to take a long way” It is to be noted that I love this saying as it reminds me of our motorhoming days in our converted bus “Purr-Inn” [the name does come with a story attached to it!]
Squizz: Means “take a look”.
Flat tack: If someone is “flat tack”, it means they’re rushed, “Haven’t got time to chat, mate!”.
Feed: This means that someone is off to have some food, fish and chips wrapped in paper opened up on the table by the beach or river. Maybe a pie instead, choice mate!
So when a young fella says to you, “Yeah nah bro, I reckon that’s all good, cheap as for a mean as feed like that!” Now you will know what the heck they are talking about, chur bro.
So there you have it.
A bit of information about what makes our country’s language unique and a few slang words and phrases you are more than likely to encounter while touring around New Zealand.
Life at No. 22 