NZ Thesaurus: Popular Kiwi Terms
March5
- Mate = friend
- “Taking the piss” = making fun of
- “Taking a piss” = urinating
- “Getting pissed” = getting drunk
- Pissed = drunk
- Coaster = resident of the West Coast (South Island); known for being extremely laid back
- Jumper = sweater
- Jersey = sweater
- Strip = sports jersey/uniform
- Jandals = flip-flops
- Box = cubicle
- Ta = short for “thanks”
- Lolli = candy
- Brolli = umbrella
- Cardi = cardigan
- Jim-Jams = pajamas
- Sultana = sun-dried grapes (similar to raisins)
- Aubergine = eggplant
- Courgette = mini zucchini
- Marrow = giant zucchini, generally overripe with large seeds
- Capsicum = bell pepper
- Suss (v.) = figure out
- Ski field = downhill ski slope
- “What’s the go?” = “What’s going on?”
- “Skull your piss!” = “Take your shot!” (of liquor)
- Pitch = soccer, rugby field
- Draw (n.) = playing schedule for sports
- Cruising/cruisy = chillin, taking it easy/laid back
- Voucher = gift card/gift certificate
- Squizz = to look, peek, check out i.e. “have a squizz at the new shop down the street”
- Uni = University (different from “college” - see below)
- College = High school
- Drawers = Dresser
- Munted = screwed up, messed up
- “Good on you” = “good for you”
- “Have a sleep” = going to bed/take a nap
- Sweet as! = indication of agreement, positive acknowledgment
- How you going? = How’s it going? (people say this all the time)
- Boy racer = street racers
- Indicators = turn signals (in a motor vehicle)
- Grill = broiler unit in an oven, typically a separate compartment from the regular oven
- Barbeque = grill/barbeque
- Arvo = afternoon
- Sparky = electrician
- Joiner = cabinet maker
- Rubbish = trash
- Streaky bacon = American bacon
- Takeaway = Take out/food “to go”
- Tram = trolley
- Trolley = shopping cart
- Buggy = baby stroller
- “Stuff it”, “stuffed up”, etc. = f*ck it, f*cked up, etc.
- Car park = parking lot
- Gib = drywall/sheetrock (a brand name)
- Bach (pronounced “batch”) = small holiday/beach cottage. Can be rustic with or without electricity, insulation
- To post = to mail
- Drink drive = drunk driving
- Chilly box = cooler
- Kiwi = New Zealander, similar to “Yankee” for Americans. Also, a small, endangered indigenous bird and a Chinese gooseberry (otherwise known as kiwi fruit)
- Plunger = French-press coffee maker