Aotearoa is a wonderful place to travel to. We have it all if you’re looking for a nice climate, world-class beaches, or mountainous terrain with breathtaking views.
New Zealand is a very easy place to travel to and hang out. However, understanding the local speak and phrases can be tricky. Luckily, we have compiled a list of common sayings and not-so-common phrases that you might want to know.
Churr
Starting very easily the word CH-UR has a few different meanings such as Hello, Goodbye and Thank you.
Mean
Mean is a very common word you’ll hear in Aotearoa often used in such phrases as “That so mean” or “That’s mean as”. Mean is essentially another word for “cool” so if someone says “You’re so mean bro” it means you’re a cool person or you could just be a literal mean person, who knows?
Is that us?
Now this one can have two completely different meanings, the first one chill essentially means “Are you ready to go” and the second one isn’t so chill.
For example, if you’re in town having a few drinks and someone comes up to you and says “Is that us” I would suggest removing yourself from that situation ASAP.
Keen
As simple as it gets, “Keen” just offers approval or means yes.
Friend 1: Want to get a drink
Friend 2: Keen
Although sometimes someone could say “could be keen” which means they are close to saying yes
Too much/Tu Meke
Often used as a way to express gratitude
Upto?
It is said that Kiwis are inherently lazy with their words or as I like to say verbally economical and the word “upto” is a prime example, it essentially means “What are you doing?”.
Straight up
Can be used as a question and a response either “Are you being serious” or “Yes I’m being serious”
Jak
Literally means “Nothing”.
One Outz
Again, if you’re in town and someone comes up to you and says “Do you want oneoutz?” decline and move away as fast as possible
Ceebs
“Can’t be bothered” also another example of Kiwis being verbally economical
