The Kiwi Translation

Date: Friday June 24, 2011

Time: 3:20 pm

Location: Taupo, NZ, My “Flat”

As most of you have never been to New Zealand, I figure it would be beneficial for you to learn some American translations of Kiwi phrases. Supposedly, both our nations speak English, but there are some subtle differences in the way Kiwi’s talk in a conversation and the way American’s do.

Kiwi Phrase/Word           American Translation    

“I reckon”                            “I guess” or “I suppose” E.g. “We should have gone for groceries last night, I reckon.”

“Ay?”                                    Usually at the end of sentences, in question form. Similar to putting “huh?” at the end of a sentence. E.g. “There used to be monkey’s at that zoo, ay?”

“Nice”                                   Equivalent to “good.” E.g. “That tea is nice, ay?” or “This pie tastes quite nice.”

“Lollies”                                Candy

“Jelly”                                   Jell-O

“Biscuits”                             Cookies

“Muffins”                            Muffins. But also, cupcakes.

“Hot drink”                         Coffee, tea, Milo (Hot chocolate)

“Flat”                                     Apartment

“University”                       College. In NZ higher education is always called University. Never college.

“Fizzy drink”                       Soda Pop

“Zed”                                    Z. E.g. if you’re watching TV in New Zealand and there’s a commercial for a product and they have a website, let’s say it’s www.tv3.co.nz. The announcer would say; “Please visit dub dub dub dot tv3 dot co dot N Zed.

These may seem like miniscule differences, however, they are very important in understanding and translating Kiwi to American. And keep in mind, I’ve only been here a week and a half. There are many more that I’m sure I’m not even aware of yet.

Also, it is common practice for a New Zealander’s homes to have two things. One, a fireplace and heaters in place of a heating system that heats the whole house. This is due to the high cost of heat in New Zealand. This fact has also introduced me to something I have come to love. Electric blankets. I turn on my electric blanket while I’m getting ready for bed and by the time I climb in, it’s warm and cozy already.

Secondly, another product of the high cost of heat is the use of clothes lines rather than dryers. The houses generally have a small dryer but it is not usually used unless the situation is dire. For example, when I first got here and my luggage was missing, I only had one pair of jeans. I washed them and hung them on the clothes line to dry. But, being jeans, they weren’t dry by the time I needed them in the morning. So, they went in the dryer for a couple minutes.

That’s only a week and a half’s worth of knowledge people. Imagine what I can do with 7 more!