Kiwis in New Zealand typically call a barbecue a "barbie". They also frequently use the standard terms "barbecue" or "BBQ".
Barbecue or barbeque (often shortened to BBQ worldwide; barbie or barby in Australia and New Zealand) is a term used with significant regional and national variations to describe various cooking methods that employ live fire and smoke to cook food.
The primary Australian slang for barbecue is "barbie" (or sometimes "barby"), referring to the event or the grill itself, often used with "fire up the barbie" or to have "snags" (sausages) on it for a casual gathering. Other related terms include "snags" (sausages), "cold one" (beer), and the common phrase "chucking a barbie" or having a "barbie this arvo" (afternoon).
The typical menu for Kiwi barbies that most expect to see includes grilled meat (steak, chicken and sausages), perhaps fish/seafood, boiled new potatoes, a range of easy-prep salads and white bread to hold the sausages.
The barbecue in New Zealand
Since the 1950s the New Zealand (and Australian) barbecue became an outdoor meal with food, usually meat, grilled quickly over charcoal or gas. In contrast to picnics, barbecues are often held in the host's backyard. Traditionally barbecue cooking is carried out by males.
It's important to remember that a Hāngi is not an exotic BBQ, in fact, it's more of a steam-cooker. The steam comes from the non-flammable sackcloths, soaked in water, that are laid across the top layer of stones.
2. Barbie. “Barbie” is a short form of barbeque. In Australian English, “-ie” is also added to lots of abbreviated words.
Puku - This Maori-derived term refers to the stomach or belly. For example, "My puku is full after that meal."
Snag. Another word for sausage. A barbecue is a standard way of socialising in New Zealand, so it's common to hear someone suggest "throwing some snags on the barbie".
Live like a local on your New Zealand holiday by renting a 'bach'. Pronounced 'batch', it is a term Kiwis commonly use for a holiday home. Often located by the sea, river, lake or forest, baches are all about kicking back.
Here are some Aussie slang words that you might not know. Woop Woop is used to refer to a place in the middle of nowhere. People use it to signify that a location is far away, unfamiliar to them, and difficult to get to.
In the UK we generally use the term BBQ for pretty much any method of cooking meat outside over something burning - charcoal or wood - direct or indirect - fast or slow - lid or no lid. However in America BBQ means low, slow and indirect and we have to admit (grudgingly!)
A "bogan" in Australia (and New Zealand) is slang for an uncouth, unsophisticated, or unrefined person, often from a working-class background, characterized by specific tastes, fashion (like mullets, flannelette shirts), speech, and behavior, though the term can be derogatory, humorous, or even self-adopted, depending on context and intent, referring to a laid-back, anti-establishment attitude rather than just poverty.
Kiwi is not generally considered to be a derogatory term, but there are New Zealanders, particularly some with Māori heritage, who find the appellation jarring and prefer not to identify with it.
The primary Australian slang for barbecue is "barbie" (or sometimes "barby"), referring to the event or the grill itself, often used with "fire up the barbie" or to have "snags" (sausages) on it for a casual gathering. Other related terms include "snags" (sausages), "cold one" (beer), and the common phrase "chucking a barbie" or having a "barbie this arvo" (afternoon).
Bogan (/ˈboʊɡən/ BOHG-ən) is Australian and New Zealand slang to describe a person whose speech, clothing, behaviour, or attitudes are considered unrefined or unsophisticated. Depending on the context, the term can be used pejoratively or in a humorous, self-deprecating manner.
Jandals – whether you call them flip flops or thongs where you come from, the perennial summer footwear favourite is called a jandal in NZ.
It was initially used in Australia to refer to a woman of Irish origin, but from the late 19th century onwards it became a general term for a woman or girl. It probably derives from the generic use of the (originally Irish) proper name Sheila.
The best one among them is Reo Ora!
"Chubby Māori" refers to a complex topic involving higher rates of obesity in Māori populations, cultural perspectives challenging sizeism and promoting body sovereignty (like Kōrero Mōmona), historical theories about body types, and media representations such as the documentary Chubby Cree, all highlighting the intersection of health, identity, and systemic issues within Māori communities.
Chur The meaning of chur is essentially thank you. You can use this classic Kiwi slang to show gratitude or appreciation. As explained above, it can also mean "sweet as" or "that's awesome".
To say "hello" in "Kiwi" (New Zealand), the most common and versatile greeting is Kia ora (pronounced kee-a OR-ah), a traditional Māori phrase that means "hello," "welcome," "thank you," or is used to wish someone well, showing respect for the local culture. You might also hear informal English greetings like "Hey," "Hi," or "G'day," but Kia ora is the quintessential New Zealand greeting.
Woop Woop (wop-wops in New Zealand) is an Australian term meaning a place that is a far distance from anything.
In slang, "grill" can mean teeth/mouth (often jeweled), like "gold grillz," or it can mean to interrogate intensely, as in "Don't grill me!" Another phrase is "Get out of my grill!" meaning "Get out of my face/space," and in gaming/some UK slang, "grill" can even mean girl.
or mozzie (ˈmɒzɪ ) noun. Australian and New Zealand an informal name for mosquito.