New Zealand Speak: Some Common Slang, Lingo, And Phrases For Immigrants To Learn

To be able to communicate well and be able to send a message across is something that people do on the daily. However, not all are able to communicate well that the person on the other end is not able to understand what the sender means. That is why communication is said to be a two-way street – the person on the receiving end should also learn how the other person communicates. And this can be applied by people who may be moving as immigrants to a new country like New Zealand.

 

The thing about New Zealand is that the people here speak English mainly so knowing the basic language is not going to be difficult for newcomers like immigrants. However, what changes things is how English evolves depending on the people using the language, the culture in that place, and many other things. When this happens, slang or lingo is created and that is what immigrants should be learning because these can become ingrained in the language used by the locals.

 

With that, here are some of the common slang, lingo, and phrases that are commonly used by locals in New Zealand.

 

Drongo

 

When in New Zealand, immigrants should know that this term actually is used to refer to abuse or to idiots.

 

I don’t know how Isabel has that drongo for a boyfriend. She’s just in love, I guess, and we can’t do anything about that.

 

Dude

 

A male who may be cool or may be good-looking is referred to as a dude. Unlike other countries who use the word ‘dude’, Kiwis use this term to mean something more than just a male.

 

Why don’t you join me and my friends later tonight for drinks? They’re all dudes, you would feel right at home.

 

Feed

 

In normal English, to feed means to eat something to nourish one’s body. In New Zealand slang, this term actually also means a meal.

 

I prepared some feed for you today. I hope you like mac and cheese. That’s the only thing I could cook without going to the supermarket.

 

Flat tack

 

When the term ‘flat tack’ is used, it actually means being at top speed.

 

Beau was quite surprised and very relieved that his girlfriend didn’t get harmed or injured since she was driving flat tack.

 

Greenie

 

The word ‘green’ in normal English is used to refer to the color though it can also be used to refer to vegetables, envy, or the environment. Now, in this country, ‘greenie’ actually means a conservationist, which is quite understandable.

 

I don’t meet a lot of interesting people but greenies are definitely my favorite. I learn a lot from them and I believe in the same things as they do.

 

 

 

Go and find the program that would help you move to New Zealand as soon as possible right here on Global Visa Support: http://globalvisasupport.com/nz.html.

 

Find out how you can move to NZ by scheduling your appointment with the Global Visa Support team today and start working on your plans: http://www.globalvisasupport.com/contacts.html.