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@nzdjb@cloudisland.nz

Post #4131195

2026-07-27 07:07 UTC

Need to remember to not use Kiwi idioms in meetings with overseas vendors. Apparently “it’s not great” is not universally understood to mean “I hate it”.

Replies (2)

  • @aligorith@mastodon.nz 2026-07-27 07:57

    @nzdjb@cloudisland.nz Noted. Guess I should file away, "It's not ideal" either 😅

    Open ##4165142

  • @zkarj@mastodon.nz 2026-07-27 10:07

    @nzdjb@cloudisland.nz if it's critical I be understood, and time is of the essence, then I would use clearer language. But... Most Americans in such a setting would never hesitate to use their own idioms without even thinking about it. So my preference IS to use local idiom. I will talk in kilograms, degrees Celsius, and more besides, and I will NOT translate unless asked. The key reason I have decided to do this is the whole (English speaking) world is slowly Americanising. Tonight I was watching The Chase — that most British of TV shows — and the host — Bradley Walsh, who is no spring chicken — clearly said "airplane". See also Aucklanders never stipulating things being location-specific to Auckland. I don't see why I should be assimilated and lose my culture.

    Open ##4165149