Kiwisms

Here's the post you've all been waiting for! For many of you American's out there, this seems to be a very interesting and entertaining topic: Kiwi sayings. Trust me, it is for me too! I've compiled a list of a few of my favorites/the most commonly heard.

(Note: some of these words or phrases may also be used in Australia or the UK)

mate: a friend (also can be heard used as an expression: "How are you doing?" "Mate!!"(good) or "Mate...."(bad)

motorway: freeway

lolly: candy

sunnies: sunglasses

ta/cheers: thanks

g'day: hello

togs: swimsuit

lilo('lie low'): inflatable pool toys

jandals: flip flops

greasies: fish and chips

chocka: full to the brim

bach(pronounced like the beginning of bachelor): holiday home

arvo: afternoon

tea: dinner, break, or actually tea

dunny: bathroom

fizzy drink: soda/pop

footie: rugby

entree: appetizer(I find this interesting that we use it for main dishes...anyone know French?)

pack-a-sad: sulk

piece of piss: easy, not hard

piss around: do nothing

piss up: to party, drink alcohol

pudding: dessert

scull: drink, consume

up the duff: pregnant

ute: pick-up truck

a wobbly: a tantrum

a Sunday driver: a slow driver

So to all my mates up there in the Northern Hemisphere,take advantage of your weather and piss around in your jandals and togs on your lilos in the arvo. Next time you're in New Zealand, grab your sunnies and some greasies and head to the beach, but please don't be a Sunday driver on the motorway or everyone will have a wobbly. Ta.