Although the primary language of New Zealand is English, it definitely has a different flavor (or flavour as it is spelled there) than in the United States. So to keep you from scratching your head and saying "huh?" if you go there to visit, I have compiled a list of some of the local phrases we encountered and had to learn their meanings while in New Zealand.
- A hike is a tramp.
- A trail is a track.
- The forest is the bush.
- A flashlight is a torch.
- Flip-flops are jandals.
- Swimwear are togs.
- Diapers are nappies.
- A cooler is a chilly bin.
- A shopping cart is a trolley.
- A shopping cart return area is a trolley park.
- Ketchup is tomato sauce.
- But tomato sauce is also tomato sauce. Go figure!
- A sweet potato is kumara.
- A red pepper is capsicum.
- Ground beef is minced.
- You go to a takeaway store to order take out food.
- A convenience store is a dairy.
- A city park is a domain.
- A parking lot is a car park.
- To yield is to give way.
- A turnout is a slow vehicle bay.
- A paved road is a sealed road.
- A gravel road is an unsealed road.
- A graded gravel road can also be called a metaled road.
- Gasoline is petrol.
- 91 petrol (unleaded) is dispensed from the green pump. Diesel is black. Don't confuse the two!
And my favorite:
- Something that is cool or awesome is Sweet As!
