Making sense and fun with Kiwi slang
Kate Garnyk loves graphically exploring Kiwi language and expressions. Photo: Fiona Nelson.
Chilly bin, togs, and jandals are common slang for Kiwis, particularly at this time of year. But to a migrant who speaks English as a second language, the meaning of the words or phrases are often unknown.
Kate Garnyk, a migrant from Russia, has delved into the world of Kiwi language and created a visual interpretation of words and idioms which Kiwis frequently use.
In 23 cartoons, Kate depicts iconic Kiwi words and phrases, adding her artistic humour to her illustrations. The exhibition of her work has been on in the meeting room at Te Noninga Kumu in Motueka.
Kate immigrated to New Zealand from Moscow in 2022, with her teenage daughter, to join her husband Anton, and they have settled in Nelson.
She says they decided to immigrate to New Zealand for a bunch of different reasons.
“We wanted to try something new, escape from pollution, escape from a country that doesn’t respect human rights…”
Kate says that it hasn’t been easy integrating into a different culture and mindset. But she finds life more predictable and safer here.
“Kiwis are friendly and more open-minded.”
Kate, a graphic designer, has been designing posters and flyers for Multicultural Nelson Tasman, as well as illustrating videos being produced specifically for migrants at Victory Community Centre.
Last year, Kate self-published a small book ‘English Idioms for Fun and Learning’, with illustrated explanations of common idioms or phrases we all use, such as: ‘throw caution to the wind’, ‘as busy as a bee’, ‘not my cup of tea,’ and ‘beating around the bush’.
Her book is selling at Suter Gallery and at Cultural Conversations, Morrison Square, Nelson. Her exhibited illustrations at the library are for sale, to purchase contact Kate directly by email on [email protected]