Expat Life: Interpreting Kiwi English

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I say I speak three languages, English, French and Broken English. Haha nice joke, polite way of saying I swear like a trucker. But, as Laurie says, sorry but not sorry. However, I have noticed since coming here, I really speak Kiwi-English and Aussie-English, and am slowly learning American-English. In preparation of my trip to see the lovely Laurie this weekend, I have prepared a list of the things I have learned so far, so that I can help prepare her for my Kiwi-ness.

Enjoy.

Kiwi - Murica words that I have gotten confused

Shout someone – Buy someone a drink or meal – “it’s my shout”

Bag - Purse

Purse - Wallet

Boot - Trunk

Bench - Counter

She’ll be right – Don’t worry, everything will be alright

You’ll be away laughing – You will be fine

Away with the fairies - Daydreaming

Jandals - Flip flops - Thongs

Togs - Swimming costume

Do the dishes - Washing up

Loo – Toilet - Restroom

Bless your little cotton socks – Bless you

Undies – Panties

Knickers (for kids underwear) – Panties

Ice block – Popsicle

Nek Minnit - Next thing you know

He’s a gun – He's an expert

Pom – English person

Have a go at someone – Attack or insult someone, start an argument

I'm flat out – I am really busy

What’s that when its at home? – This just means “what is that?”

 Bill - Cheque

Coriander - Cilantro

Capsicum - Bell Pepper

Gherkin - Dill Pickle

Grill - Broil

Barbeque - Grill

Eftpos - Debit

Drink Piss - Drink alcohol

Maori Words that I use A lot

Whare – house

Puku – tummy

Kapai – Good

Kia Ora – Hello
Aporo - Apple
Aroha - Love
Paki paki - clap your hands
Are your tarengas painted on? - Are your ears painted on?
Whare Paku - toilet

 

See you soon Loz!