photo credit: barto
Here’s an odd kiwi quirk I’ve noticed.. when responding in the very affirmative, it’s common for a kiwi to nod a few times, saying “yip, yip”. (Maybe it’s “yup yup”, but it sounds like “yip”…). I think it’s done as a preemptive way to answer a question, without waiting for the “full text” of the question.
For example..
Danny: “Have you forwarded the email to Don? You know, the one about…”
Me (nodding furiously) : “yip, yip!”
One wouldn’t be offended, being “yipyiped”, it seems to be part of normal interaction, and from some rudimentary googling, primarily a kiwi thing.
A few other odd kiwi phrases
- “Bring a plate“: Bring a plate of food to share (not an empty plate, although apparently you wouldn’t be the first to make that mistake)
- “Lollies“: Candy / Sweets
- “Smoko“: Tea break (origins are obvious)
- “Dairy“: Convenience store / drugstore (US) / Cafe (SA)
- “Togs” : Swimming costume / trunks
What odd kiwi phrases have you noticed?
Link Summary
- http://www.google.co.nz/search?q=kiwi+yip+yip
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