©Traditional Kanak dancers|Terres de Lumière

Local Expressions

The Language of “Nouzautes”

Thematic Fact Sheet

While French is the official language of New Caledonia, it has been enriched over time with many local expressions unique to the archipelago. Immerse yourself in the language of the “Nouzautes” (a local pronunciation of “nous autres”, meaning “us locals”) with this non-exhaustive glossary — a fun way to start sounding like a true local.

Which languages are spoken in New Caledonia?
How many Kanak languages are there?
What are the most common local expressions?

The Linguistic Diversity

of the Archipelago

New Caledonia is defined by remarkable linguistic diversity. In addition to French, the official language — spoken with a distinct local accent and enriched by unique expressions — the territory is home to 28 Kanak languages still in use, 11 dialects, and several vernacular languages introduced through Oceanian, Polynesian, and Asian communities over the course of history (Chinese, Futunian, Indonesian, Japanese, Javanese, Ni-Vanuatu, Tahitian, Vietnamese, Wallisian, etc.).

©Kanak woodcarver in New Caledonia|Oneye Production / NCT

©Portrait of a Caledonian Woman|Oliver Strewe

©Portrait of a New Caledonian Family|Oneye Production

Portrait of a broussard — ©Portrait of a "broussard"|Oneye Production

28 Kanak Languages

The 28 Kanak languages are spread across different geographical zones (North, Centre, South of Grande Terre, and the Loyalty Islands) and are tied to the eight customary areas of the archipelago. They include: Drehu (Lifou): the most widely spoken, with over 15,800 speakers in 2019, and source of the well-known word “oleti” (thank you), Nengone (Maré), Ajïe (South Grande Terre), Paicî (Koné-Voh, North), Iaaï (Ouvéa)… and many others.

Since the 1990s, several of these languages have been gradually integrated into the public education system.

Glossary of Local Expressions

Aouh…: Interjection expressing compassion.
Awa !: Interjection of surprise after hearing some news.
Baigner à la mer: To go swimming. In New Caledonia, people don’t say they go “to the beach” but “to the sea,” and swimming is considered essential.
Barrer / Se barrer: To leave or head out (used both in the bush and Nouméa).
Broussard: A person who lives in the bush (rural New Caledonia).
Bougna: Traditional Kanak dish made with tubers (yam, sweet potato, cassava), vegetables, coconut milk, and meat or fish. Wrapped in banana leaves and slow-cooked in an underground stone oven.
Bozu: Hello, in Drehu (Lifou).
Casse pas la tête !: Don’t worry about it!
Ça douille / Ça bombarde !: It’s expensive / It’s strong or spicy, depending on the context.
C’est ça aussi !: That’s exactly it / I completely agree.
C’est choc !: That’s awesome! Often used by young people.
Chien bleu: Australian cattle dog, nicknamed “blue dog” for its coat. Commonly found on cattle stations. Also the name of a satirical newspaper in New Caledonia.
Claquettes: Local word for flip-flops. The word “tong” is avoided.
Coup d’chasse / d’pêche / d’fête: To go hunting / fishing / partying.
Fin valab’: That’s great / That’s awesome.
Gadin: A deer — in New Caledonia the final “f” in cerf is always pronounced.
Il est bon ou quoi ?: How are you doing?
Kaï kaï: Food / to eat (Polynesian origin).
Le Caillou: Nickname for New Caledonia.
Lôngin…: Word expressing astonishment (positive or negative).
Ma vieille / Mon vieux: Familiar expression for one’s partner.
(Les) Nouzautes: Local term referring to New Caledonians in general.
Oléti: Thank you, in Drehu.
Radio cocotier: Equivalent of “the grapevine” — information spreading quickly by word of mouth.
Tata / Taltoul: Goodbye / See you later.
Zoreil: A newcomer from metropolitan France unfamiliar with New Caledonian culture.

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