Erinn Goes Abroad

Revisiting Kiwi words: which ones stick?

If you consult a Kiwi-English dictionary, there are all sorts of words that might arouse a guffaw or two.

Among my favorites are “colly wobbles” (nausea associated with being nervous) and “bugalugs” (a pet name). I cheerfully anticipated the day I would meet these words and be fit to respond without question. 

Alas, that day never happened. Not yet, anyway. So I thought I would share with you American readers a few words that are quite different from what we’re used to and that, yes, I encounter frequently. 

Chur- a very “in” word right now. You can use it in nearly any context, as a greeting, an agreement, as filler. A very fascinating word indeed.

Gridiron- referring to American college football. Saying football alone can mean soccer or rugby football. Never mind using “college” as a qualifier as college refers to high school. See below.

College- The college Americans know is referred to as University or more colloquially as “uni” in New Zealand. A college here is the equivalent to high school. The first few times I said college in conversation, it created much confusion about my age and what level of school I was in. 

Capsicum- it’s a bell pepper. You will see the word on market signs and recipes as such.

Coriander- cilantro. See above.

Fortnight- a word that once sounded positively medieval that now seems quite normal to hear and use. It means 2 weeks time. I make rent payments every fortnight. 

Dairy- a convenience store/corner store. The first time few times I encountered the word, I thought it was a shop that only sold milk products. 

Ta- a way to say thank you. Short and sweet. 

There are countless others, even less polite words, that I would love to share but won’t. You will have to visit New Zealand yourself to learn more!