Christchurch

💬

Common Phrases and Slang

Familiarizing with Kiwi English expressions and slang commonly used in Christchurch.

Sections

1. Informal Greetings

In Christchurch, as in the rest of New Zealand, people are generally friendly and informal. Here are some common ways to greet people:

  • "Kia ora" (pronounced kee-ah or-ah): A Māori phrase meaning "hello," "thank you," or "good health." It’s widely used across New Zealand and is a great way to greet someone.

    • Example: "Kia ora, how’s it going?"

  • "G’day": A casual way of saying "hello," similar to the Australian greeting.

    • Example: "G’day, mate!"

  • "Hey" or "Hiya": Informal and commonly used among friends or acquaintances.

    • Example: "Hey, what’s up?"

  • "How’s it going?": A common way to ask how someone is doing.

    • Example: "How’s it going, bro?"

2. Local Expressions and Phrases

These phrases are commonly heard in Christchurch and reflect the laid-back Kiwi attitude:

  • "Sweet as": A versatile phrase meaning "great," "no problem," or "all good." It’s often used to express agreement or satisfaction.

    • Example: "Can you help me with this?" "Yeah, sweet as!"

  • "No worries": A common way to say "you’re welcome" or "don’t worry about it."

    • Example: "Thanks for your help!" "No worries!"

  • "She’ll be right": A phrase that reflects the Kiwi optimism, meaning "it’ll be okay" or "don’t stress."

    • Example: "The car’s making a weird noise." "Ah, she’ll be right."

  • "Yeah, nah": A humorous and indirect way of saying "no." It can also mean "I’m not sure" depending on the tone.

    • Example: "Do you want to go out tonight?" "Yeah, nah, I’m too tired."

  • "Good on ya": A way to say "well done" or "good for you."

    • Example: "I finally finished that project!" "Good on ya, mate!"

  • "Chur": A casual way of saying "thanks," "cheers," or "awesome." It’s often used in response to something positive.

    • Example: "I grabbed you a coffee." "Chur, bro!"

3. Commonly Heard Words in Daily Conversations

These words are part of everyday Kiwi slang and are frequently used in Christchurch:

  • "Bro" or "Bru": Short for "brother," used to address friends or acquaintances.

    • Example: "What’s up, bro?"

  • "Mate": A friendly term for a friend or stranger.

    • Example: "Cheers, mate!"

  • "Togs": Swimsuit or bathing suit.

    • Example: "Don’t forget your togs for the beach!"

  • "Jandals": Flip-flops or sandals.

    • Example: "It’s too hot for shoes, I’m wearing jandals."

  • "Chocka": Full or crowded.

    • Example: "The café was chocka this morning."

  • "Dairy": A small convenience store or corner shop.

    • Example: "I’m heading to the dairy to grab some milk."

  • "Bach" (pronounced batch): A holiday home or beach house.

    • Example: "We’re spending the weekend at the bach."

  • "Smoko": A short break, often for a cigarette or snack.

    • Example: "Let’s take a quick smoko."

  • "Heaps": A lot or many.

    • Example: "There were heaps of people at the market."

  • "Knackered": Extremely tired.

    • Example: "I’m knackered after that hike."

4. Specific Slang Unique to Christchurch

While much of the slang in Christchurch is shared with the rest of New Zealand, there are some local quirks and references:

  • "The Garden City": A nickname for Christchurch due to its many parks and gardens. Locals may refer to their city this way.

    • Example: "Welcome to the Garden City!"

  • "The Port Hills": A local reference to the hills surrounding Christchurch, popular for hiking and biking.

    • Example: "Let’s go for a walk in the Port Hills this weekend."

  • "Quake City": A term sometimes used to refer to Christchurch after the 2010-2011 earthquakes. It’s used more in a historical or reflective context.

    • Example: "Quake City has come a long way since the rebuild."

  • "ChCh": A shorthand way of referring to Christchurch, often used in text messages or informal writing.

    • Example: "Are you heading to ChCh this weekend?"

5. Cultural Notes on Communication

To help you adapt to the local culture, here are some tips on how to use these phrases effectively:

  • Be Casual and Friendly: Kiwis, including those in Christchurch, are known for their laid-back and approachable nature. Don’t be afraid to use slang in casual conversations—it’s a great way to connect with locals.

  • Use Humor: Kiwi humor is often dry and self-deprecating. Don’t take things too seriously, and feel free to laugh along.

  • Incorporate Māori Words: Māori culture is an integral part of New Zealand’s identity. Using common Māori words like "kia ora" (hello), "whānau" (family), or "kai" (food) shows respect and cultural awareness.

  • Ask if Unsure: If you don’t understand a phrase or slang term, don’t hesitate to ask. Locals will appreciate your curiosity and effort to learn.

6. Example Conversations

Here are a couple of sample dialogues to illustrate how these phrases might be used in Christchurch:

Scenario 1: Meeting a Friend

  • You: "Kia ora, bro! How’s it going?"
  • Friend: "Sweet as, mate. Just been for a walk in the Port Hills. What about you?"
  • You: "Not much, just grabbed a coffee from the dairy. Chur for asking!"

Scenario 2: Asking for Directions

  • You: "Hey, mate, do you know where the nearest dairy is?"
  • Local: "Yeah, nah, just head down the road and turn left. It’s next to the park."
  • You: "Sweet as, cheers!"

By familiarizing yourself with these phrases and cultural nuances, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate conversations and connect with the locals in Christchurch. Enjoy your time in the Garden City!