An Immigrant’s Guide To Learning The Lingo In New Zealand

English may be the common language used in New Zealand but there surely is lingo in the country that immigrants should be used to hearing and speaking. There are a ton of lingo but learning and understand the basic ones should be a great help. It is important to keep in mind though that the lingo may sound English but even if people do try to have a grasp at it, they can mean differently. That is why here is a quick guide to some of the lingo that is commonly used in New Zealand.

 

Chocka

 

Chocka may sound like chocolate but it does not relate to chocolate in any way. This lingo used in New Zealand actually means ‘full’.

 

Bobby didn’t have a bite at dinner today. He said he was chocka.

 

Choice

 

Choice in New Zealand does not mean like the usual ‘choice’ that people know. In the country, Kiwis use this to mean that something is ‘excellent’ or is ‘fine’.

 

We went to Sean’s house today and it was choice.

 

Chur

 

Does the term ‘chur’ have anything to do with churros? Well, not exactly. In New Zealand, this word actually means ‘cheers’.

 

To Cecilia and John’s great life together! Chur!

 

Cuz

 

While in other countries, the term ‘cuz’ actually can be a shortened form to mean ‘cousin’, in New Zealand, it actually is used to mean a relative or a friend (who may already be like family to them).

 

Roger went to the pub today and he introduced us to his cuz.

 

Dairy

 

Dairy is definitely not the usual meaning of dairy for most countries that speak English. When in New Zealand, this is actually slang for the corner store or for a newsagent.

 

Bill’s mom was so scared that her son wasn’t in the house. Turned out, Bill was in the dairy and met a friend there.

 

Dag

 

Dag is not the shortened form for dagger or is not in any way connected to dog. This slang actually is used to refer to a character or to an amusing person.

 

You’ve got to meet Stacey! She’s a dag!

 

Dork

 

In most English-speaking countries, dork is the term used to refer to a person who may be too nerdy or too silly that they have become a misfit socially. However, in New Zealand, this is the slang for a person who may be an idiot or one who is physically uncoordinated.

 

Roberto had to be careful around the baby. He is a dork most of the time, you see.

 

Dough

 

This one may be easy to guess as it is also the slang used in many English-speaking countries to refer to money.

 

Can I borrow some dough? I lost my wallet on the way here.

 

 

 

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