why dont people think of people when they see/hear kiwi?!?

Question

after just reading a few hilarious posts as to what people think of kiwis, and i then asked what do you think of when you hear kiwi, i figured out that people dont think of the new zealanders who are called kiwis. so my question:

does anyone besides australians and new zealanders actually know that they're called kiwis too? not just the bird and fruit, oh and shoe polish was another one...

Answer 1

I think that a few may have heard the term but wouldn't use it. Except for the formalised names (New Zealander etc.) most names for ethnicity or nationality have generally been used in a derogatory way even though they might not have originated as such. Some might not know that it isn't a derogatory word and avoid using it as if it was.
Although kiwi isn't a derogatory term for kiwis it is a familiar term generally used by Australians and Islanders. For someone who isn't on familiar grounds with kiwis to use it wouldn't quite seem right. Kinda like the language you use around your mates'd be different from that around strangers.

Answer 2

I'm aware that New Zealanders are referred to as Kiwis, but seeing as I am in love with the fruit, that's all I can think of when I hear the word.

I think I'm drooling. :)

Answer 3

kiwi is that green fruit with that loveling taste mhhhhhhhhhh i whant to eat a kiwi now

Answer 4

When you watch a rugby match, you know immediately that a Kiwi is not a fruit ! :-)

Answer 5

I actually had no clue that there were people with that name. I love the fruit, though.

Answer 6

A little furry green-fleshed fruit.

Answer 7

Ozzie here
i think its a trans pacific term only

Answer 8

kiwi fruit, succulent fruit, loverly in salad.

Answer 9

Oh! how dumb of me, I had forgotten that little fact.