Kiwi Talk

Kiwi Talk

One of the joys of travels is learning new ways of expressing yourself. This is a blog I wrote while

living in New Zealand.

I’ve noted that the New Zealanders we’ve met tend to use descriptive language without the aphorisms

that we in the United States tend to favor. An aerosol can on a bathroom shelf of a Bread and

Breakfast we stayed at in Wanaka said it “ends toilet odors.” Isn’t that more what we really want? No

pussy footing around with “air freshener.”

                                                
                                                        

Outside the train station Graymouth a building on one side of the street had a sign — “Eat and Drink.”

A building on the other side of the street had a sign — “Beds.” Any questions? Any confusion?

The traffic bumps to slow cars are known as judder bars. That’s descriptive.

A sign on the Canterbury University campus reads, “People prepared to make changes.” This too, I

believe is another example of straight talk. It is, after all, up to these people, whoever they are, whether

or not they actually make changes. Maybe they’ll decide things are just peachy the way they are and

keep everything just as it is.
                                                  

Since there is no tipping the cost of a meal or a taxi ride is what the tab says. No complicated math

required.

A weather person describing upcoming cold weather recommended wearing “puffy coats” and advised

listeners to “rug up.”

Grocery carts are known as trolleys or better yet, trundlers.

Responding to grumbling, “Build a bridge and get over it.”

If you get a sore throat you take “Throaties.”

The student centre is offering a seminar about, “flatting” for students who have not, “flatted” before i.e.

renting an apartment (a flat) with a roommate.

Praise: “Good on you.”

Across the Tasmin Sea: “Across the ditch.”

Farmer: “Cowspanker.”

A man from China said he came to New Zealand to learn English and has been so warmly received that

he now considers himself a "Chiwi."

For authors when a book is reprinted it is known as a “Revived Edition.” I really like that.

When your significant other is checking your “speedo” he or she is looking to see how fast you are

driving not checking out your body.

What have you heard on your travels?