Kiwification

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?