Brits and Kiwis can agree on most things. But every now and then we can unwittingly confuse one another with our lingo. I've put together a guide to help you understand your foreign buddy - with this you'll be bilingual for British bants and Kiwi yarns in no time!
Greetings/Sayings
 |
 |
| Hello / Hi |
Kia ora / G’day |
| Cheers |
Chur |
| Well done |
Ka pai |
| Don’t worry |
She’ll be right |
| Cock Up |
Balls Up / Tits up |
| Awesome |
Mean |
| Goodness Gracious! |
Struth! |
| Around the houses |
Tiki Tour |
| Good shout |
Good call |
| At the minute |
At the moment |
| First Rate / Fantastic |
Bonzer |
| Hurry Up! |
Rattle your dags! |
| Head over heels |
Arse over tit |
| No worries |
Good as gold |
| Telling a story |
Spinning a yarn |
| Telling off |
Rark up |
| A long time ago |
Yonks |
| Broken |
Munted |
People
|
|
| New Zealander |
Kiwi |
| Family |
Whānau |
| Idiot |
Manus / Muppet / Drongo |
| Funny person |
Hard case |
| Solicitor |
Lawyer |
| Player |
Slayer |
| Outcast |
Bundy |
Food & Drink
|
|
| Food |
Kai |
| Crisps |
Chips |
| Chips |
Hot Chips/Fries |
| Pudding |
Dessert |
| Aubergine |
Eggplant |
| Soured Cream |
Sour Cream |
| Courgette |
Zucchini |
| Pepper |
Capsicum |
| Sweets |
Lollies |
| Ice lolly |
Ice block / Popsicle |
| Kiwi |
Kiwifruit |
| Biscuit |
Cookie |
| Skimmed Milk |
Skim Milk |
| Box wine / Cask wine |
Goon |
| Prosecco |
Lindauer |
Clothing & Footwear
|
|
| Trousers |
Pants |
| Pants |
Underwear |
| Vest |
Singlet |
| Flip flops |
Jandals |
| Swimming Costume / Bathing Costume / Swimming Trunks / Bikini |
Togs |
| Wellies |
Gumboots |
| Trainers |
Sneakers |
Work & Education
|
|
| Tea Break |
Smoko |
| Secondary School |
High School |
| College |
High School |
| University |
College / University |
| Public School |
Private School |
| State School |
Public School |
| Gap Year |
OE |
| Bank Holiday |
Public Holiday |
Everyday Items
|
|
| Kettle |
Jug |
| Tipex |
Twink |
| Cool box |
Chilly bin |
| Barbeque |
Barbie |
| Face Cloth |
Flannel |
| Film |
Movie |
| Napkin |
Serviette |
| Dinner |
Tea |
| Hot Water Bottle |
Hottie |
| Trolley |
Trundler |
| Cling Film |
Glad Wrap |
| Hob |
Stove |
| Rubber |
Eraser |
| Punnet |
Pottle |
| Bedding |
Manchester |
| Petrol |
Gas/Fuel |
Intimacy
|
|
| Snogging |
Pashing |
| Love |
Aroha |
| To have sex |
To have a root |
Locations
|
|
| Off licence |
Bottle store |
| Supermarket |
The Super |
| Newsagent/Corner Store |
Dairy |
| Off the beaten track |
In the wop wops |
| National Health Service |
Public Health Service |
| Ground Floor |
First Floor |
| Jumble Sale |
Garage Sale |
Motoring & Vehicles
|
|
| Lorry |
Truck |
| Vauxhall |
Holden |
| Near Side |
Passenger’s Side |
| Off Side |
Driver’s Side |
| Gear Stick |
Stick Shift |
| MOT |
WOF (Warrant of Fitness) |
| Central Reservation |
Flush Median |
| Cut me up |
Cut me off |
| Aeroplane |
Aircraft |
Finance
|
|
| Deposit |
Bond |
| Standing Order |
Direct Debit |
| Pension |
Kiwisaver |
| Contactless |
Paywave |
| Bank Card |
EFTPOS Card |
Illicit Substances
|
|
| Methamphetamine / Speed |
P |
| Joint (Marijuana) |
Tinny |
| Cigarette |
Durry |
