If you’ve ever watched a New Zealand movie or chatted with a local, you’ve probably heard words that sound a bit odd if you’re not from there. That’s Kiwi slang – the informal language Kiwis use at home, on the road, and online. Knowing a few of these terms can make a trip feel smoother and help you fit in faster.
Most Kiwis start a conversation with a simple “Hey” or “G'day”. You’ll also hear “How’s it going?” – a casual way to ask how someone is. If they reply with “Good as” or “Sweet as”, they’re saying everything’s fine. It’s a friendly, relaxed response that works for almost any situation.
When it’s time to head out, you might hear “Catch ya later” or just “Later”. Both mean you’ll see the person again soon. Kiwis love to keep things short and easy, so you’ll rarely hear a long farewell.
“Jandals” – the Kiwi word for flip‑flops. If you’re heading to the beach, ask a local where the nearest jandal shop is.
“Togs” – this means swimwear. You’ll hear, “I’m grabbing my togs before we hit the water.”
“Heaps” – used to describe a lot of something. “There were heaps of people at the market.” It works for both countable and uncountable nouns.
“Chur” – a quick thank you. It can also mean “cheers” or “good job”. If someone holds the door, a friendly “Chur!” is common.
“Munted” – something that’s broken or messed up. “My bike’s munted after that fall.” It’s a light‑hearted way to describe damage.
“Bach” – a small holiday house, usually by the beach. Many Kiwis own a bach for weekend getaways.
Other handy words include “Yarn” (a chat), “Sussed” (figured out), and “Bugger” (a mild expletive used when things go wrong).
Don’t force a word you’re not comfortable with. Listen first, then sprinkle in the terms that feel natural. Kiwis appreciate genuine effort, but they’ll spot a fake fast.
One trick is to pair a slang word with a clear context. For example, “I’m heading to the beach, need my togs and jandals.” The listener sees the words in action and gets the meaning quickly.
Remember that slang can vary by region. In the South Island you might hear more “cuz” (short for cousin) used as a friendly address, while in the North Island “bro” is common among younger crowds.
Using local slang shows respect for the culture and helps break the ice. It turns a normal conversation into a more personal exchange. Plus, it’s fun – you’ll sound like a local faster than you think.
So next time you’re in Auckland, Wellington, or any small town, try dropping a few of these phrases. You’ll likely get a smile, a nod, or maybe even a friendly correction that will improve your Kiwi vocab.
Enjoy the ride, keep the vibe relaxed, and remember: a simple “chur” can go a long way in New Zealand.
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