Tuesday, September 22, 2009
There are many things that I have had to keep myself in check with as I have learned to custom and culture here. One is the difference in our talk/language. I guess I took it for granted when I came here, knowing I was coming to an English speaking country-- I just expected all the sayings and wording to be understood in the same manner. No Sir!
This blog comes at a special request, as I have shared stories of embarrassment and humor as I have learned (and still learning) how to speak the daily language of the Kiwis. Its a fun experience. :)
Boot: This not referred to as a shoe, but rather the *trunk* of the car. I learned this when someone asked me to "Put that in the boot!" .... Um, yeah...where exactly is the boot when Im looking at the car!?"
Bonnet: Not typically something you see on a women's head. This is the "hood" of the car or vehicle.
Jandals: most commonly known as flip flops. I have yet to hear the word *flip flop* used or written anywhere... or even spoken. I must be a rebel!
Dairy: this would be a Convenience store or corner store
Togs: a swimsuit. I am still unsure how a swimsuit gets named a tog... but I go with the flow. :)
Hot chips: american french fries. Not many places have "french fries" on their menu- you have to be in the know that *chips* or *hot chips* mean french fries.
Jelly: Jell-0
Jam: common American jelly (like what you put on toast). You dont want to ask for a Peanut butter and Jelly sandwich--- you will end up with a Peanut Butter and Jell-o sandwich. You might also have some pretty strange looks.
Biscuit: any kind of cookie. This is NOT a kind of bread you but butter or jam on.
Lollies: any form of candy.
Candy Floss: Cotton Candy. ( I dont quite understand the ... Floss?)
Chilly bin: Ice chest or cooler.
My shout: if you are paying for someone's meal.. "My treat!"
Sammy: referring to any kind of sandwich.
Sweet As: Used instead of awesome or cool. Most people put the word *as* after any kind of word to emphasize the effects of something. I personally don't care for it-- when said really fast it sounds much like anther word. YIKES!
Mate: a friend or buddy
Flat: an apartment
Aye: most commonly used at the end of a sentence. "It was a nice day today, aye."
There are a few words that you don't use, I have learned (some by mistake) as they have a very different meaning.
You must use the term Mowing the lawn in reference to Yard work. I have had several people laugh when making reference to us use the term "Yard work" .... "what is that?" You can also just use the terms: gardening, etc.
The term professional has gotten me in a couple of embarrassing situations once or twice. Using the term Professional is like referring to Julia Roberts in the beginning of Pretty Woman. I have used it as a compliment (or so I thought) a time or two--- that didnt turn out in my favor.
This is just a short vocabulary list of some commonly used words in the Kiwi/ New Zealand culture.
As I learn more words, I look forward to sharing them with you.... Its exciting learning a new culture and mixing it with what I have already instilled in me.
