From skux, chilly bin and tu meke to cossie, doona and chewy – the VERY unique slang terms used by Kiwis and Aussies that cause trans-Tasman confusion
- Australian and New Zealand slang is very different despite our close proximity
- From ‘chur’, ‘bro’ or ‘tu meke’, there are countless phrases that only Kiwis know
- But there are also some Australian terms that will also baffle a New Zealander
- Daily Mail’s list should help create mutual understanding of our bizarre phrases
There are many things which unite Australia and New Zealand: the Queen as the head of state, our very similar flags, and a love for taking the mickey out of each other.
But when it comes to usage of our supposedly common language, the divide between the Tasman Sea neighbours is at its most stark.
Here, Daily Mail Australia has compiled a list of some of the more unique phrases used in the two countries.
And while some phrases may result in a few strange looks, nothing is more confusing than a trip to the beach. (Pictured: People carrying an esky – also known as a chilly bin)
In Australia, these are called thongs, however, in New Zealand they are known as jandals
Whether it’s a ‘trip to the dairy (corner shop) to grab some chuddy (chewing gum)’ or ‘Mandy packing a sad’ (having a tantrum), some Kiwi phrases will be met with blank stares in Australia.
And a trip to the beach will provoke the most confusion.
While Kiwis will grab their jandals and togs and pack a box of beers in their chilly bin, Australians will be reaching for their swimmers, thongs and filling up their eskys with a slab.
And while one of those beers may be called a ‘stubbie’, be aware that term can also refer to short shorts typically worn by young farmers.
Confused yet?
In New Zealand you would say: ‘We’re going for a walk to the dairy (corner shop) to grab some chuddy (chewing gum)’
Another odd phrase that is extremely common across the ditch but rarely heard in Australia is ‘hard case’.
When New Zealanders say ‘Bill is hard case,’ they simply mean that Bill can be relied on to make you laugh, whereas Australians hearing that phrase may think Bill is a bit of a troublemaker.
You might also hear a Kiwi say that ‘Bill is a skux’, which means he is attractive. It is a term most commonly used by the young, or someone trying to pass themselves off as hip.
New Zealand YouTuber Jordan Watson, who goes by the name How To Dad, attempted to explain some New Zealand slang in one of his videos but even he had trouble translating.
In his video, How to Understand New Zealand Slang, he points out New Zealanders often say ‘yeah, nah’ when they’re unsure.
‘Yeah, nah, I was going to go to that party but it was out in the wop wops,’ he says in the clip.
Wop wops means the middle of nowhere; similar – but not the same – to the Australian term woop woop.
But the misunderstanding does not flow one way. Many Australian terms will provoke head scratching in New Zealand.
Aussie gems such as servo, bottle-o, doona and derro are unique to its shores.
When an Australian YouTuber took to the streets to share common Aussie slang with visitors, he left many tourists confused.
Phrases such as ‘chuck a sickie’, ‘onya mate’, and ‘chockers’ left them shaking their heads.