People in the U.S. speak English. People in New Zealand speak English. But English is a broad term for one language and the differences in vocabulary could fill a translation dictionary.I have been speaking English for the past month, but I haven’t been speaking American. Locals refer to everyday objects with completely different names than I do. Here are a few words:
U.S. English : Kiwi English
Cooler = Chilly bin
Ice pack = Slicker pad
Sandwich = Sammie
Cookie = Biscuit
Flip-flops = Jandals
Swimsuit = Togs
Panties = Knickers
Jacket = Jumper
Tennis shoes = Trainers
Mini-van = People mover
And my favorite Kiwi saying:
Sweet as: I confirm that what you’re proposing is good with me
Since terms like bugger (oh, crud) have infiltrated my daily vocabulary, I feel more integrated into the Kiwi lifestyle. Unfortunately y’all doesn’t translate and only elicits laughs and signals my Southern U.S. upbringing. Apparently, I fool a few people though because my seatmate on my Christchurch to Sydney flight today thought I was a Kiwi. Too bad I’m in Oz now and have to learn the Aussie terminology.
Special thanks to my Christchurch gal Sara for teaching me the majority of my Kiwi English.
Pictured: Some messages, such as beware of falling rocks and ice, are too important to risk being lost in translation. Fox Glacier’s safety signs forgo words in favor of pictures.
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