cookie time

The word cookie is not used much here. People often tell me what I mean.

They say that I mean scone when I say biscuit (except scones are not the same as the biscuits I would eat with gravy. One is light and fluffy, the other is denser and good with jam and cream).

They say that I mean biscuit when I say cookie (except the types of biscuits I have with my tea or coffee hear are not the same as some of the cookies from back home)

They say I mean biscuit when I say cracker (okay that is one thing I find annoying is having to differentiate between the types of biscuits you eat with savory things and the types that are sweet)

I am finding a year into living here that I am finding more and more words that I am misunderstanding.    I thought that would happen more at the start, but its not until you've been around long enough that you pick up on certain phrases/words that are used infrequently. It also takes time to realize that a word you say back home means something slightly different here.

For example the word 'quite' as in 'it was quite nice.'  

I don't hear the word really very much here - it sound very American to my ears. So I have been substituting the word quite.

Turns out that quite actually mean 'not that much'  as in 'the accommodation was quite nice' would mean, it was was so-so/interesting/not great.  But then again because Kiwis try not to go over the top with praise, sometimes they use humble language on purpose to praise.  So if that was what they were going for, it could mean it was GREAT but I don't want you to be embarrassed by me saying that.  At least this is what I've been told.

Which brings me to the main point.  Traveler and I had a cookie making race today.   

I made orange poppy seed cookies and he is still making something with butter in it.  

He also stole my lemon zest - I just need that documented some where:)