10 New Zealand Slang Words To Sound Like A Local

New Zealand slang words can be tricky to get the hang of. Sure, it’s technically English, but it can sound like a different language. Arriving to New Zealand without a grasp of the lingo can be confusing, especially if English isn’t your native language.

Kiwi slang is so much more than just an accent. Different areas across the country have different slang words, but there are a lot of phrases that people use across the entire region. Basically, the ‘i’ becomes a ‘u’ (ie. fish and chips becomes fush n chups) and the ‘e’ becomes an ‘i’ (ie. pens become pins). Add ‘eh’ at the end of every sentence and you’re halfway there.

Here’s a list of 10 commonly used slang words in New Zealand. You’ll be speaking like a local in no time.

10 common New Zealand slang words

Say these following phrases and you’ll fit right in with those sexy Kiwis…

1. Sweet as, bro!

This basically just means amazing, and you’ll hear it all the time.

2. Knackered

Not just tired, but really tired.

3. Jandals

Flip-flops. Japanese sandals = jandals.

4. Bugger all

Very little eg. “This beer cost bugger all”.

5. She’ll be right

This just means everything will be fine. They’re not even talking about a ‘she’ in particular.

6. The Wops

Middle of nowhere.

7. Piece of piss

Super, super easy.

8. Mare

You’re having a tough time ie. a nightmare.

9. Gumboots

Wellington boots!

10. Gidday

G’day/hello/howdy (all of the above).