Sweet As, Bro: A Guide to Kiwi Slang for Travellers
05 JANUARY 2025
Essential NZ Slang and Phrases for Travellers (With Kiwi Humour)
If you're heading to Aotearoa (that’s the Māori name for New Zealand), you’ll quickly notice that Kiwis have a language all their own. It's English, sure — but sprinkled with quirky slang, Māori words, and a laid-back tone that’s all part of the charm. Whether you’re chatting with locals in a country pub, asking for directions at a café, or booking into a bach by the beach, understanding Kiwi slang can go a long way in making connections and feeling like a local.
So, here’s your fun and friendly guide to Kiwi phrases — with meanings, tips, and a few laughs along the way!
🥝 Everyday Kiwi Slang (and What It Really Means)Sweet as
Meaning: Really good, awesome, no problem
Used like: “That view was sweet as!”
This phrase may sound unfinished, but in Kiwi English, it’s totally complete. It just means something is really good — think of it as "awesome" or "cool."
Chur
Meaning: Thanks, cheers, awesome
Used like: “I’ll grab you a coffee.” “Chur, bro!”
A versatile word used to express gratitude or general good vibes. Can be doubled for emphasis: “Chur, chur!”
Yeah, nah / Nah, yeah
Meaning:
Meaning: Swimsuit
Used like: “Don’t forget your togs, we’re going to the lake.”
In NZ, it’s always togs — not swimsuit, bathers, or trunks.
Jandals
Meaning: Flip-flops
Used like: “Chucked on my jandals and headed to the beach.”
Short for "Japanese sandals," jandals are an essential part of summer.
Bach (pronounced 'batch')
Meaning: Holiday home or beach house
Used like: “We’re staying in a bach by the lake.”
A uniquely Kiwi term for a small getaway home, usually near the coast or countryside.
Heaps
Meaning: A lot of something
Used like: “There’s heaps of people here!”
Kiwis use this word often — for quantity, effort, or time.
Cuppa
Meaning: Cup of tea or coffee
Used like: “Fancy a cuppa?”
Reflects NZ’s British roots — often said when offering hospitality.
Dairy
Meaning: Local convenience store
Used like: “Just popping to the dairy for some milk.”
Doesn't refer to a milk farm — it's the corner shop.
Loo
Meaning: Toilet or bathroom
Used like: “Where’s the loo?”
A polite and common term for restroom.
Keen
Meaning: Eager or willing
Used like: “I’m keen for a road trip!”
Saying you’re “keen” means you’re up for something.
Choice
Meaning: Cool, awesome, great
Used like: “That hot pool was choice!”
A classic Kiwi word to describe something positively.
Stoked
Meaning: Excited or really happy
Used like: “I’m stoked about the trip!”
Used to express genuine enthusiasm.
Bro
Meaning: Mate, friend (gender-neutral)
Used like: “How’s it going, bro?”
Super friendly — even strangers might call you “bro.”
Mate
Meaning: Friend, pal
Used like: “Cheers, mate.”
Similar to “bro,” but also used more casually with strangers.
Hard out
Meaning: Totally agree / for sure
Used like: “That hike was epic!” “Hard out!”
Used for strong agreement.
Bogan
Meaning: A person with rough or unsophisticated habits
Used like: “He’s a bit of a bogan.”
Often said with humour — may love rock music, V8s, and flannel.
Munted
Meaning: Broken, ruined, or exhausted
Used like: “My bike’s munted.” / “I was so tired, I was munted.”
Skint
Meaning: Broke, out of money
Used like: “I can’t go out, I’m skint till payday.”
Sus
Meaning: Suspicious or dodgy
Used like: “That guy’s a bit sus.”
She’ll be right
Meaning: It’ll be fine, no worries
Used like: “Bit of duct tape, she’ll be right.”
Flat out
Meaning: Really busy
Used like: “I’ve been flat out all day.”
Wop-wops
Meaning: The middle of nowhere
Used like: “They live out in the wop-wops.”
Scull
Meaning: Drink quickly (often alcohol)
Used like: “He sculled the whole pint.”
On the piss
Meaning: Out drinking alcohol
Used like: “We went on the piss last night.”
Bugger all
Meaning: Hardly anything
Used like: “There’s bugger all food left.”
Shout (someone)
Meaning: Pay for someone
Used like: “I’ll shout you lunch.”
Crook
Meaning: Sick or unwell
Used like: “Feeling a bit crook today.”
Knackered
Meaning: Extremely tired
Used like: “I’m absolutely knackered.”
Rattle your dags
Meaning: Hurry up
Used like: “Come on, rattle your dags!”
A rural saying referring to sheep with dirty tails.
Dag
Meaning: Funny or quirky person
Used like: “You’re such a dag!”
Crikey
Meaning: Expression of surprise
Used like: “Crikey, that was a big wave!”
Good as gold
Meaning: All good, perfect
Used like: “Sorted it all — good as gold.”
Give it a nudge
Meaning: Have a go / try it
Used like: “Go on, give it a nudge!”
Hoon
Meaning: Drive fast or recklessly
Used like: “He was hooning down the road.”
L&P
Meaning: Lemon & Paeroa — a famous NZ soft drink
Used like: “Grab me an L&P from the dairy.”
Up the duff
Meaning: Pregnant
Used like: “She’s up the duff.”
Chocka
Meaning: Full or crowded
Used like: “The place was chocka.”
Suss it out
Meaning: Check something out / figure it out
Used like: “Let’s suss it out tomorrow.”
Tiki tour
Meaning: Scenic or roundabout route
Used like: “We took a tiki tour through the hills.”
Yarn
Meaning: Chat or story
Used like: “Had a good yarn with the neighbours.”
Pack a sad
Meaning: Throw a tantrum or sulk
Used like: “The kid packed a sad.”
Spud
Meaning: Potato (or lazy person)
Used like: “He’s a bit of a spud on the couch.”
🧉 Māori Words Commonly Used in NZ EnglishKia ora
Meaning: Hello, thank you, good health
Used like: “Kia ora, how are you today?”
A warm greeting or expression of gratitude.
Whānau (fah-now)
Meaning: Family or close community
Used like: “We’re off on holiday with the whānau.”
Kai
Meaning: Food
Used like: “Let’s grab some kai.”
Puku
Meaning: Belly or stomach
Used like: “My puku is full!”
Aroha
Meaning: Love, compassion
Used like: “Sending you some aroha.”
Tamariki
Meaning: Children
Used like: “There’s a playground for the tamariki.”
Ka pai
Meaning: Good, well done
Used like: “Ka pai, that’s great work!”
Aotearoa
Meaning: New Zealand ("Land of the Long White Cloud")
Tēnā koe
Meaning: Hello (to one person)
Used like: “Tēnā koe, e hoa.”
Kaitiaki
Meaning: Guardian or caretaker, especially of the land
Used like: “We are all kaitiaki of Aotearoa.”
Mana
Meaning: Spiritual power, respect, authority
Used like: “That leader has great mana.”
Haka
Meaning: Traditional Māori war dance
Used like: “The All Blacks performed the haka.”
Marae
Meaning: Communal meeting place
Used like: “The event was held at the marae.”
Whakapapa
Meaning: Genealogy or ancestry
Used like: “Knowing your whakapapa is important.”
Iwi
Meaning: Tribe or extended kinship group
Used like: “Her iwi is Ngāi Tahu.”
🤪 Funny Kiwi Phrases You Might Hear (or Want to Try!)Hard case
Meaning: Quirky, humorous person
Used like: “He’s a real hard case.”
Bring a plate
Meaning: Bring food to share
Used like: “BBQ on Saturday — bring a plate.”
It’s not just a plate — bring something tasty!
🛒 Places and Things (That Don’t Mean What You Think)Dairy
Meaning: Convenience store
Used like: “I’m off to the dairy for ice cream.”
Scroggin
Meaning: Trail mix
Used like: “Got the scroggin packed for the hike?”
Tramping
Meaning: Hiking or backpacking
Used like: “We went tramping in the mountains.”
🗣️ How to Sound Like a Local
If you're heading to Aotearoa (that’s the Māori name for New Zealand), you’ll quickly notice that Kiwis have a language all their own. It's English, sure — but sprinkled with quirky slang, Māori words, and a laid-back tone that’s all part of the charm. Whether you’re chatting with locals in a country pub, asking for directions at a café, or booking into a bach by the beach, understanding Kiwi slang can go a long way in making connections and feeling like a local.
So, here’s your fun and friendly guide to Kiwi phrases — with meanings, tips, and a few laughs along the way!
🥝 Everyday Kiwi Slang (and What It Really Means)Sweet as
Meaning: Really good, awesome, no problem
Used like: “That view was sweet as!”
This phrase may sound unfinished, but in Kiwi English, it’s totally complete. It just means something is really good — think of it as "awesome" or "cool."
Chur
Meaning: Thanks, cheers, awesome
Used like: “I’ll grab you a coffee.” “Chur, bro!”
A versatile word used to express gratitude or general good vibes. Can be doubled for emphasis: “Chur, chur!”
Yeah, nah / Nah, yeah
Meaning:
- Yeah, nah = No
- Nah, yeah = Yes
Used like: “Want to go for a swim?” “Yeah, nah… bit cold.”
These contradictory-sounding phrases confuse many, but the second word is what counts.
Meaning: Swimsuit
Used like: “Don’t forget your togs, we’re going to the lake.”
In NZ, it’s always togs — not swimsuit, bathers, or trunks.
Jandals
Meaning: Flip-flops
Used like: “Chucked on my jandals and headed to the beach.”
Short for "Japanese sandals," jandals are an essential part of summer.
Bach (pronounced 'batch')
Meaning: Holiday home or beach house
Used like: “We’re staying in a bach by the lake.”
A uniquely Kiwi term for a small getaway home, usually near the coast or countryside.
Heaps
Meaning: A lot of something
Used like: “There’s heaps of people here!”
Kiwis use this word often — for quantity, effort, or time.
Cuppa
Meaning: Cup of tea or coffee
Used like: “Fancy a cuppa?”
Reflects NZ’s British roots — often said when offering hospitality.
Dairy
Meaning: Local convenience store
Used like: “Just popping to the dairy for some milk.”
Doesn't refer to a milk farm — it's the corner shop.
Loo
Meaning: Toilet or bathroom
Used like: “Where’s the loo?”
A polite and common term for restroom.
Keen
Meaning: Eager or willing
Used like: “I’m keen for a road trip!”
Saying you’re “keen” means you’re up for something.
Choice
Meaning: Cool, awesome, great
Used like: “That hot pool was choice!”
A classic Kiwi word to describe something positively.
Stoked
Meaning: Excited or really happy
Used like: “I’m stoked about the trip!”
Used to express genuine enthusiasm.
Bro
Meaning: Mate, friend (gender-neutral)
Used like: “How’s it going, bro?”
Super friendly — even strangers might call you “bro.”
Mate
Meaning: Friend, pal
Used like: “Cheers, mate.”
Similar to “bro,” but also used more casually with strangers.
Hard out
Meaning: Totally agree / for sure
Used like: “That hike was epic!” “Hard out!”
Used for strong agreement.
Bogan
Meaning: A person with rough or unsophisticated habits
Used like: “He’s a bit of a bogan.”
Often said with humour — may love rock music, V8s, and flannel.
Munted
Meaning: Broken, ruined, or exhausted
Used like: “My bike’s munted.” / “I was so tired, I was munted.”
Skint
Meaning: Broke, out of money
Used like: “I can’t go out, I’m skint till payday.”
Sus
Meaning: Suspicious or dodgy
Used like: “That guy’s a bit sus.”
She’ll be right
Meaning: It’ll be fine, no worries
Used like: “Bit of duct tape, she’ll be right.”
Flat out
Meaning: Really busy
Used like: “I’ve been flat out all day.”
Wop-wops
Meaning: The middle of nowhere
Used like: “They live out in the wop-wops.”
Scull
Meaning: Drink quickly (often alcohol)
Used like: “He sculled the whole pint.”
On the piss
Meaning: Out drinking alcohol
Used like: “We went on the piss last night.”
Bugger all
Meaning: Hardly anything
Used like: “There’s bugger all food left.”
Shout (someone)
Meaning: Pay for someone
Used like: “I’ll shout you lunch.”
Crook
Meaning: Sick or unwell
Used like: “Feeling a bit crook today.”
Knackered
Meaning: Extremely tired
Used like: “I’m absolutely knackered.”
Rattle your dags
Meaning: Hurry up
Used like: “Come on, rattle your dags!”
A rural saying referring to sheep with dirty tails.
Dag
Meaning: Funny or quirky person
Used like: “You’re such a dag!”
Crikey
Meaning: Expression of surprise
Used like: “Crikey, that was a big wave!”
Good as gold
Meaning: All good, perfect
Used like: “Sorted it all — good as gold.”
Give it a nudge
Meaning: Have a go / try it
Used like: “Go on, give it a nudge!”
Hoon
Meaning: Drive fast or recklessly
Used like: “He was hooning down the road.”
L&P
Meaning: Lemon & Paeroa — a famous NZ soft drink
Used like: “Grab me an L&P from the dairy.”
Up the duff
Meaning: Pregnant
Used like: “She’s up the duff.”
Chocka
Meaning: Full or crowded
Used like: “The place was chocka.”
Suss it out
Meaning: Check something out / figure it out
Used like: “Let’s suss it out tomorrow.”
Tiki tour
Meaning: Scenic or roundabout route
Used like: “We took a tiki tour through the hills.”
Yarn
Meaning: Chat or story
Used like: “Had a good yarn with the neighbours.”
Pack a sad
Meaning: Throw a tantrum or sulk
Used like: “The kid packed a sad.”
Spud
Meaning: Potato (or lazy person)
Used like: “He’s a bit of a spud on the couch.”
🧉 Māori Words Commonly Used in NZ EnglishKia ora
Meaning: Hello, thank you, good health
Used like: “Kia ora, how are you today?”
A warm greeting or expression of gratitude.
Whānau (fah-now)
Meaning: Family or close community
Used like: “We’re off on holiday with the whānau.”
Kai
Meaning: Food
Used like: “Let’s grab some kai.”
Puku
Meaning: Belly or stomach
Used like: “My puku is full!”
Aroha
Meaning: Love, compassion
Used like: “Sending you some aroha.”
Tamariki
Meaning: Children
Used like: “There’s a playground for the tamariki.”
Ka pai
Meaning: Good, well done
Used like: “Ka pai, that’s great work!”
Aotearoa
Meaning: New Zealand ("Land of the Long White Cloud")
Tēnā koe
Meaning: Hello (to one person)
Used like: “Tēnā koe, e hoa.”
Kaitiaki
Meaning: Guardian or caretaker, especially of the land
Used like: “We are all kaitiaki of Aotearoa.”
Mana
Meaning: Spiritual power, respect, authority
Used like: “That leader has great mana.”
Haka
Meaning: Traditional Māori war dance
Used like: “The All Blacks performed the haka.”
Marae
Meaning: Communal meeting place
Used like: “The event was held at the marae.”
Whakapapa
Meaning: Genealogy or ancestry
Used like: “Knowing your whakapapa is important.”
Iwi
Meaning: Tribe or extended kinship group
Used like: “Her iwi is Ngāi Tahu.”
🤪 Funny Kiwi Phrases You Might Hear (or Want to Try!)Hard case
Meaning: Quirky, humorous person
Used like: “He’s a real hard case.”
Bring a plate
Meaning: Bring food to share
Used like: “BBQ on Saturday — bring a plate.”
It’s not just a plate — bring something tasty!
🛒 Places and Things (That Don’t Mean What You Think)Dairy
Meaning: Convenience store
Used like: “I’m off to the dairy for ice cream.”
Scroggin
Meaning: Trail mix
Used like: “Got the scroggin packed for the hike?”
Tramping
Meaning: Hiking or backpacking
Used like: “We went tramping in the mountains.”
🗣️ How to Sound Like a Local
- Be relaxed and friendly — no need to be formal.
- Try out a few Kiwi words, especially “kia ora.”
- Don’t worry about getting it perfect — the effort is appreciated.
- Smile, laugh, and roll with it — that’s the Kiwi way.
Planning a trip to New Zealand?
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
We’ve got you covered with everything you need for an unforgettable adventure. From fully customized itineraries tailored to your interests and group, to expert consultations, detailed maps and insider travel guides — our services take the stress out of planning so you can focus on enjoying your journey. Because we have such an in depth knowledge of travelling New Zealand (full time since 2022!) we're able to offer so much insight into what makes New Zealand so special and where go, beyond the guide books.
Whether you’re exploring solo, traveling with family, or adventuring with friends, we provide personalized support and local knowledge every step of the way. Discover hidden gems, plan your perfect routes, and unlock the best experiences New Zealand has to offer, all in one place.
Ready to start planning your perfect New Zealand adventure?
Click here to explore our services and get started!
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