Bach block
The cluster of holiday homes at a beach or lake settlement. Kiwi summer HQ.
"The whole bach block knows each other."
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Bach key under the mat
The trusting NZ tradition of leaving the holiday-home key in an obvious spot. Symbol of small-town trust.
"Bach key's under the mat as always."
Bae
The alternative spelling of bey, preferred by people who think they're smarter than everyone else on the Coast. Means exactly the same thing. Not the American 'bae' — if you got here from a love song, you want a different dictionary.
"Chur bae."
Bags
To claim something first - 'bags the front seat!'
"Bags not doing the dishes."
Bags not
The reverse claim - opting out first. 'Bags not last.'
"Bags not telling Mum."
Bee's knees
Excellent, top-notch. Slightly old-fashioned, still fond.
"That bakery's the bee's knees."
Bevvy
A beverage, specifically an alcoholic one. 'Few quiet bevvies.'
"Fancy a bevvy after work?"
Bey
East Coast / Gisborne term of address, roughly 'bro'. Pronounced 'bay'. The original and, depending on who you ask, only correct spelling. Not the American 'bae' for a partner — completely unrelated.
"Not even, bey!"
Bikkie
A biscuit (cookie). 'Cuppa and a bikkie.'
"Bikkies with the tea?"
Bloody
The all-purpose NZ intensifier. Bloody cold, bloody good, bloody oath. Barely counts as swearing here.
"It's bloody freezing out."
Blowhard
Someone all talk and no action; a big skiter.
"Ignore him, he's a blowhard."
Bo
A briefly fashionable replacement for 'bro'. If you used it, you know.
"Later bo, catch you up."
Bogan
Someone devoted to black jeans, metal, and a modified Holden. Worn as both insult and badge of honour.
"The V8s are in town — bogan Christmas."
Boil-up
A hearty Maori dish - pork bones, watercress, dumplings (doughboys) and kumara in a big pot. Comfort food.
"Nan's got a boil-up on the stove."
Bol
Another regional stand-in for 'bro', heard in parts of the North Island.
"What's up, bol?"
Bonnet
The hood of a car.
"Pop the bonnet, I'll check the oil."
Boot
The trunk of a car.
"Chuck your bags in the boot."
Bottle shop
Liquor store. Often 'the bottle-o'.
"Swing past the bottle-o on your way."
Box of beers
A carton/case of beer. The currency of NZ favours - 'I'll owe you a box'.
"Grab a box of beers on the way."
Box of birds
Feeling great, in fine form. 'How are you? Box of birds!'
"Feeling box of birds this morning."