New Zealand is a relatively modern melting pot of languages and sayings, and saw the formation of its own dialect much later than most countries, and in some cases particular turns of phrase stuck in New Zealand, long after they were already in use elsewhere. Some aspects of kiwi slang are unique in that they exist, and are applied, with no particular historic or logical backing.
In present day New Zealand, it is still common to hear agricultural terms being applied in everyday situations.
As a large portion of the country's first European inhabitants were involved in farming, it was natural for certain terms to spread throughout all of society. New Zealand's agricultural beginnings are a strong and ever-present influence on kiwi slang and everyday language. Modern day kiwi slang still persists to display and use Maori words in everyday speech. During the early stages of European migration to New Zealand, when the local dialect was being formed and kiwi slang was in its infancy, the language of the local peoples was an undeniable building block. Kiwi slang is unique in that it is heavily influenced by the words used by the native Maori population, who inhabited the land before the arrival of the pakeha (Europeans). In the case of Kiwi slang, many terms can be traced back to words and sayings commonly seen in South England. As all three regions are heavily influenced by early migrant settlers, it is natural to assume that the slang and language used holds roots in another part of the world. Naturally New Zealanders have come to develop their own brand of slang, which is seen as commonplace to those in the country, while being exotic and potentially baffling to everyone else.įrom an academic perspective, Kiwi slang and New Zealand English are very similar to modern Australian English or contemporary South African English. Some researchers have suggested that the spoken language of New Zealand is independent enough to warrant being called a separate dialect of English. New Zealand has always been a nation with an eclectic mix of people and nationalities, and this mixing pot of cultures has led to the country developing its own particular way of speaking. Our purpose is to help you get your head around some of New Zealand's unique turns of phrase. If you didn't understand the above, don't worry. But don’t go half pie, go all out eh, and earn yourself some Maori roast, a handle or some hokey pockey. After reading this, blow me down if you won’t be stoaked when it comes to speaking here. No worries bro if it looks a bit munted, she’ll be right, it’s just the way Kiwis talk in En Zed. Why don't you go flat out, sit down with a cuppa and take a squiz at our mean as list of Kiwi slang.