Kiwi is short-hand for New Zealander, as in "The Kiwis are sure to retain the America's Cup".
Of course it's also our native bird and, in some circles, an abbreviation for kiwifruit.
"Kiwi" is not a word I have used much in the past but, since moving to California, I
find myself saying it quite a lot, "Yes, I'm a Kiwi too", "Don't blame the Kiwi's",
etc. I guess "New Zealander" is a bit too much of a mouthful.
And while we're on the subject of kiwis (the people, the bird and the fruit), what's with
Kiwi and Strawberry Snapple? Why is there a koala on the label (above the 'S')?
Do these people not realise how culturally insensitive that is; the koala's Australian!
If I'd been able to find an email address at
www.snapple.com
I'd've given them a piece of my mind.
