Kiwi (nickname)

A Kiwi holding a kiwi

"Kiwi" (/ˈkiːwi/ KEE-wee)[1] is a common self-reference used by New Zealanders, though it is also used internationally.[2] It is generally viewed as a symbol of pride and affection for most people of New Zealand.[3]

The name derives from the kiwi, a native flightless bird, which is a national symbol of New Zealand. Until the First World War, the kiwi represented the country and not the people; however, by 1917, New Zealanders were also being called "Kiwis", supplanting other nicknames such as "Enzedder".[4]

  1. ^ "Kiwi | Definition of Kiwi at Dictionary.com". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 23 December 2019.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference DOC1 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Phillips, Jock (May 2015). "Kiwi – A kiwi country: 1930s–2000s". Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Phillips was invoked but never defined (see the help page).