New Zealand English is like English, but different. And it’s developing in a direction all of its own. Tumeke!
Sam O’Flaherty, The Guardian
New Zealanders certainly have a way with words. Kiwi sayings can bring colour, humour, and character to English sayings. There are proverbs passed down through generations and expressions that only make sense if you've spent time with Kiwis. Here, we'll explore the Kiwi sayings that you won't find in an English textbook.
What Are Sayings and Idioms, Really?
Before we can dive into the Kiwi sayings, it's worth clearing up exactly what we'll be talking about. Do you know the difference between sayings, idioms, and proverbs? If not, here's a quick refresher.
A saying is a short expression that generally expresses a known truth or common observation. Sayings like "Time flies" and "What goes around comes around" are widely understood by English speakers and can convey more profound concepts without requiring further explanation.
Idioms are more poetic expressions. Take the expression "to kick the bucket", for example. English speakers know this isn't a literal action, but instead refers to dying. Though certain idioms are common across multiple languages, most are unique to a language and have equivalents rather than direct translations.
Proverbs are traditional phrases that often offer wisdom and advice. Think of them as words of wisdom, with most examples drawn from literature, religion, or folklore. Proverbs tend to be older expressions, and while the references may be dated, their meaning is still typically understood by English speakers, though many mightn't understand the Kiwi accent.
Saying: Common expressions like “No worries.”
Idiom: Figurative language like “Spit the dummy.”
Proverb: Wise, older sayings such as “Don’t cry over spilled milk.”
When it comes to New Zealand expressions, most are idioms or sayings, rather than proverbs. We can't say precisely why this is, but it may have something to do with a preference for casual and humorous exchanges, as evident in some of the creative, dry, and funny expressions we have here.
A Look Into Kiwi Sayings and Their Cultural Roots
The slang and sayings reflect more than just a way of speaking; they also convey a deeper meaning. In the case of New Zealand expressions, they're indicative of how people live and see the world. Kiwi sayings are usually more practical, casual, and funny than the expressions used in more formal English textbooks.
Understatement is par for the course with the Kiwi approach to language. Rather than saying something is "amazing", you might hear a Kiwi say that it's "not bad". If something's terrible, it might be "a bit rough". The tone in New Zealand tends to favour wit over hype.
NZ sayings have also been shaped by farming, the outdoors, and rural living. There are many expressions related to animals, weather, and tools. While New Zealand is certainly more urban than it was in the past, these expressions remain. Fun expressions like "couldn't organise a piss-up in a brewery" or "flat out like a lizard drinking" are great examples of this.
Many classic Kiwi expressions like “rattle your dags” or “flat out like a lizard drinking” have their origins in farming life.
New Zealand idioms are still used in workplaces, bars, and households, even when these places are nothing like where the expressions were born.
Top 15 NZ Sayings That Still Make People Laugh or Think
These NZ sayings are funny, understated, and full of the kind of wisdom that comes with not taking yourself too seriously.
- "She’ll be right."
- Everything will work out fine, no worries. It's the laid-back Kiwi philosophy in one phrase.
- "Not even."
- A way to express disbelief or disagreement, often used humorously.
- "Away with the fairies."
- Someone who's daydreaming or not quite present.
- "Hard case."
- A person who's funny, strange, or entertaining—usually said with affection.
- "You’re not wrong."
- An understated way of saying, "You're absolutely right."
- "Get a wriggle on."
- A gentle command to hurry up or get moving.
- "Built like a brick sh*t house."
- Describes someone large and solid. Often a compliment.
- "Rattle your dags."
- Move it! A playful, rural way to tell someone to hurry.
- "Bit of a dag."
- Someone funny, weird, or slightly embarrassing, but in a good way.
- "That’ll put hair on your chest."
- Said after eating or drinking something intense. Used jokingly.
- "Spit the dummy."
- To lose your temper or throw a tantrum.
- "Knackered."
- Exhausted or completely worn out.
- "Chocka."
- Completely full, used for a car, a room, or even your schedule.
- "Going bush."
- Disappearing for a while, usually into nature or isolation.
- "No drama."
- Everything's fine, don't stress.
Kiwi speech is famous for understatement. “Not bad” can mean “excellent,” and “a bit rough” might mean “absolutely terrible.” This dry humour and self-effacing style is typical across New Zealand English and adds charm to even the most mundane conversations.
How These Sayings Are Used in Everyday English
When learning any language, even one that includes Kiwi sayings, it's better to hear or see things in context.
Take the phrase "She'll be right", for example. It's not just what you say when something goes wrong. It's intended to help make a problem feel more manageable. "Spit the dummy," on the other hand, is used when someone loses their temper over something insignificant. It isn't harsh criticism but rather a playful way to get someone to calm down.
Conversation in New Zealand is light, humble, and honest. Many of these expressions can be heard at home, in the office, on building sites, or around a barbecue. You'll even hear them in news interviews, advertising, and maybe even in a parliamentary debate.
It might take some time to get used to them, and how they're used, but the more you immerse yourself in the language and New Zealand conversation and read what others say about New Zealand, you'll start recognising more expressions.
Old Wisdom, New Twists: How Kiwi Sayings Evolve Over Time
Language isn't a fixed entity, which means that Kiwi sayings haven't been frozen. While some expressions came from older English expressions, others have been updated and evolved with a unique Kiwi twist.
The saying "That'll put hair on your chest" is used in various English-speaking countries and remains popular in New Zealand, typically used after someone drinks something strong, bitter, or of dubious quality. "Going bush" used to literally refer to heading into the wild to live off the grid, but can now be used when turning off your phone, going away for the weekend, or simply avoiding people for a bit.
Expressions like “rattle your dags” and “bit of a dag” have stayed relevant because they're typically Kiwi. Expressions like “get a wriggle on” may sound a bit dated to younger Kiwis, though.
The ability of Kiwis to adapt is what keeps NZ sayings alive. They borrow from the past, play with the expressions, and make them their own.
Why Learning Idioms Helps You Sound More Natural in English
Textbook English can only get you so far. If you're looking for real fluency in any language spoken in New Zealand, you need to understand informal and idiomatic expressions that people actually use regularly. In New Zealand, that means you can drastically improve your English with Kiwi sayings and New Zealand idioms.
of New Zealand speaks English.
"I am exhausted" doesn't sound the same as saying "I'm knackered". Just remember that not every expression is suitable for every situation, and by learning what expressions mean and how they're used, you can keep conversations moving and even diffuse tense situations.
Rather than memorising a long list of expressions, start with some phrases you like and practise them in casual chats and conversations. You'll hear how they're used by Kiwis, and from there, you can have a bit of fun while working towards fluency.
English Sayings vs New Zealand Idioms: What’s the Difference?
Don't forget that English is spoken in many countries, and its usage varies from one place to another. While several English sayings are understood in various English-speaking countries, certain New Zealand idioms aren't quite as universal.
The English proverb "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth" means that if someone gives you something, don't question it; say thank you. "Bob's your uncle" is common in British English, while a New Zealander might prefer "Too easy" or "You're not wrong". You may start noticing that the Kiwi versions are either more understated or dry than their British equivalents.
Here's a fun video explaining New Zealand slang to make things even more confusing.
Improve Your English and Kiwi Sayings with Superprof
If you don't have immediate access to conversations with Kiwis, try working with a Superprof English tutor from New Zealand. There are plenty around, and with many from New Zealand or based there, you can expand your knowledge beyond your English textbooks.
Even if you're not in New Zealand, you can work with online English tutors from there. On the tutors' profiles, you can see how much they charge, the type of tutoring they offer, and what their other students think of them. With many offering the first lesson for free, why not try a few out before choosing the one that's right for you and the kind of English you want to learn?
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