I’m a New Zealander. I’m not ashamed of my New Zealand accent.
Karyn Hay
Anyone who's chatted to a Kiwi might have found themselves confused, especially if they're not used to the accent or the slang. The Kiwi accent typically has a relaxed rhythm, playful tone, and unique expression, but NZ slang is more than just local lingo. It reflects the country's culture, indigenous roots, and multicultural influences. Here, we'll look at the essentials of New Zealand slang with iconic words like "bro" and "chur" as well as the quirky sayings that aren't usually found in English language textbooks.
| Kiwi Slang Term | Meaning | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| Bro | Informal term for friend or mate | Cheers, bro! |
| Chur | Thanks, cool, or agreement | I grabbed you a pie. - Chur! |
| Sweet as | Really good or awesome | We’re heading to the beach later. - Sweet as! |
| Jandals | Flip-flops (Japanese sandals) | Don’t forget your jandals for the island trip. |
| Togs | Swimsuit or swimwear | Pack your togs, we're going for a swim. |
| Dairy | Convenience store or corner shop | I’ll nip down to the dairy for some milk. |
| Bach | Holiday home (pronounced 'batch') | We’re spending the weekend at the bach in Coromandel. |
| Kia ora | Hello, thank you, or good health (Māori) | Kia ora, how’s it going? |
| Yeah, nah | Polite way of saying no or hesitation | Do you want to go out tonight? - Yeah, nah. Bit tired. |
| She’ll be right | Everything will be fine, no worries | The engine’s making a weird sound. - She’ll be right, bro. |
Why Kiwi Slang Matters More Than You Think
Slang isn't just about using words. It's about belonging. In New Zealand, as in any other part of the world, local slang serves as a cultural shorthand that conveys camaraderie, attitude, and even geography.
When a Kiwi says something is “sweet as”, it means more than just good, it means really good.
Then there's the Kiwi slang that helps bridge communities, especially the local Māori communities. Terms like “kai” (food), “whānau” (family), and “kia ora” (hello/thanks) are part of everyday speech, too.
Then there are the phrases from rural life, surf culture, rugby banter, or even British military slang that made its way into the Kiwi lexicon during World War II.
Understanding Kiwi slang is a way to connect with the people who use it. It's also indicative of how Kiwis tend to view life: with humour, humility, and a knack for understatement.
When somebody says, "She'll be right", it doesn't just mean "It'll be fine"; it's almost a national philosophy of resilience and a chilled-out optimism.
of terms are specific to New Zealand.
Essential Kiwi Slang Words Every Visitor Should Know
Anyone heading to New Zealand should brush up on their Kiwi slang and see what other people had to say about the country. After all, New Zealanders speak a flavour of English peppered with local slang with some borrowed, some invented, and a lot that are unique to New Zealand.
To help you, here are some of the slang words and phrases that you'll hear when you're in New Zealand.
“Bro”
A universal term of friendship and familiarity, "bro" is used widely regardless of gender. Whether you're chatting with strangers or greeting a mate, it's the go-to term for informal connection.
Example: "Cheers, bro!"
“Chur”
A multi-purpose expression that can mean thanks, cool, or even agreement. Used like a verbal thumbs-up.
Example: "I grabbed you a pie." - "Chur!"
While “chur” is widely known as a way of saying thanks, it can also mean “cool,” “nice one,” or just general approval. Some Kiwis even use it as a greeting among friends!
“Sweet as”
No, it’s not missing a word. “Sweet as” is short for “as sweet as [something really good]” and just means “great” or “awesome.”
Example: "We’re heading to the beach later." - "Sweet as!"
“Jandals”
What most of the world calls flip-flops, Kiwis call jandals-a portmanteau of “Japanese sandals.”
Example: "Don’t forget your jandals for the island trip."
“Togs”
Swimsuit or bathing suit. Common across both New Zealand and Australia.
Example: "Pack your togs, we're going for a swim."
“Dairy”
Nope, not the farm. A “dairy” in NZ is a small convenience store or corner shop.
Example: "I’ll nip down to the dairy for some milk."
In New Zealand, a “dairy” is a small local shop or corner store, not a place for milk production. If a Kiwi says “I’m off to the dairy,” they’re not heading to a farm.
“Bach”
Pronounced like “batch,” this term refers to a holiday home, often near the beach or in the countryside.
Example: "We’re spending the weekend at the bach in Coromandel."
“Kia ora”
A Māori greeting that’s widely used by Kiwis. It can mean hello, thank you, or good health.
Example: "Kia ora, how’s it going?"
“Yeah, nah”
A classic expression of polite disagreement or hesitation.
Example: "Do you want to go out tonight?" - "Yeah, nah. Bit tired."
“She’ll be right”
A reassuring phrase meaning everything will be okay, no worries.
Example: "The engine’s making a weird sound." - "She’ll be right, bro."
These words are often heard in casual conversation in New Zealand, and knowing them can be helpful. You don't have to use them, but understanding them is certainly helpful, and Kiwis will appreciate the effort you make.
How NZ Slang Developed: A Quick History
Language and culture are inseparable, and you can't understand Kiwi slang without understanding the history of New Zealand itself. The linguistic patchwork that is New Zealand English has influences from British settlers, Māori heritage, Aussie influences, and even global pop culture.
British Roots and Colonial English
When European settlers arrived in New Zealand in the 1800s, they brought British English with them.
These settlers brought their own regional accents, idioms, and slang, so much of New Zealand's early vocabulary reflected the rural vocabulary of England, Ireland, and Scotland.
Words like “chook” (chicken) and “crib” (South Island term for holiday home) have their clear British connections.
Over time, Kiwis began adapting and inventing their own terms, particularly for things unique to New Zealand and island life. Some of the slang refers to the unique flora, fauna, and climate of New Zealand, while others originate from local humour, wartime slang, and even rugby culture.
The Māori Influence
The most defining feature of New Zealand English is the influence that te reo Māori, the indigenous language of Aotearoa (New Zealand), has had on it.
Common words like "kai" (food), "whānau" (family), "hui" (meeting), and "puku" (belly) aren't just borrowed words. They can be heard by people from different backgrounds as part of their everyday vocab.
Many te reo Māori words are officially recognised in New Zealand English dictionaries and are commonly taught in schools. They’re not slang, they’re part of the language.
This blending of languages is living proof that cultural respect and shared identity shape modern Kiwi communication, with many te reo Māori terms included in New Zealand's official English dictionaries and taught in schools as part of everyday language learning.
Australia and NZ
Australian and New Zealand slang have their overlaps, but they aren't the same. Both countries might use "togs" for swimwear and "mate" for friend, but New Zealanders use "jandals" instead of "thongs" and "bach" instead of "shack".
There are shared terms since both nations speak English, but in the same way that the UK and the US are also English-speaking countries, they have their unique dialects and accents.
Influence from Immigrant Cultures
Immigration to New Zealand brings new words. With immigrants from the Pacific Islands, Asia, and Europe, new words and expressions and sayings are starting to find their way into the language.
You can hear people switching between English, Māori, Samoan, and Chinese expressions in casual conversation, especially in multicultural urban centres like Auckland and Wellington.
NZ Slang in Daily Life: How Kiwis Speak
You don't need to bother with a textbook to hear Kiwi slang. You can hear it everywhere. From the rugby pitch to the corner dairy, you'll hear Kiwi slang.
Examples from Real Conversations
Here's what Kiwi slang sounds like when used naturally:
- At a barbecue:
- "Grab us a sausage, bro? Mean, cheers."
- After a surf session:
- "Hard out, the swell was wicked, ay?"
- At the dairy:
- "Just a pie and a V, cheers."
- Talking to a mate:
- "You keen for a mission up north this weekend?"
- (Translation: Want to go on a road trip?)
Learning Kiwi Slang the Easy Way
With the right tools and approaches, you can learn to speak just like a Kiwi. Whether you're preparing for a trip to New Zealand, studying English, or just watching New Zealand TV shows or movies, here are some of the best ways to get started.
Listen Like a Local
If you want to hear terms like “chur”, “mean, and “keen” in context, watch New Zealand films, TV shows, and YouTube channels. Shows like Outrageous Fortune, Shortland Street, or The Casketeers are good places to start, as they're full of real-life Kiwi slang.
Download and Explore Language Packs
If you're studying English with a language learning app or tool, check if they have a New Zealand English or regional slang module.
While most apps won't include Kiwi slang as a default, there are language learning communities with free download packs with slang word lists, audio samples, and pronunciation guides.
Once you know the words, you'll need to understand the accent.
Learn with Real People
The fastest and easiest way to learn any language is by using it. If you want to learn a specific dialect, speak with the people who use that dialect.
You can find local forums, Facebook groups, Reddit threads, or even Discord servers. Look for language exchanges with Kiwis who want to learn your language.
Use Flashcards or Books
While your typical English textbook won't feature New Zealand slang, there are plenty of coffee-table books that explain these words.
Even better, spend time creating flashcards or words like “jandals,” “dairy,” “bach,” “cuzzy,” and “tiki tour” with meanings and example sentences. A few minutes a day makes it stick.
Study with a Private Tutor
If you want to master Kiwi slang, why not hire a private tutor? With a New Zealand-based English tutor focusing on conversational language, you can learn English and the specificities of New Zealand English. Tutors can help students understand the meaning of words, their correct usage, and proper pronunciation.
Just search for private English tutors in New Zealand on the Superprof website. With many offering their first lesson free, you can try a few before choosing the one that's right for you.
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