wop-wops
The wop-wops is New Zealand slang for the middle of nowhere: somewhere remote, far from towns, shops and phone signal. “They live out in the wop-wops.”
What wop-wops means
Collins defines it as the backblocks, the back of beyond. It’s the Kiwi equivalent of “the boonies” or “the sticks,” used for farms at the end of long gravel roads, campsites hours from anywhere, or any place where you need to bring your own snacks because there’s no dairy for 50 kilometers.
It’s usually said with affection rather than scorn. Plenty of people love living in the wop-wops.
Examples
- “Their bach is way out in the wop-wops. No reception at all.”
- “We got lost in the wop-wops for an hour.”
- “I grew up in the wop-wops, so a supermarket still feels fancy.”
Where it came from
It’s a New Zealand word, and its origin isn’t settled. Wiktionary records it as Kiwi English for the backcountry, and Collins includes it as an informal word. You’ll also see it spelled wopwops.
Related terms
- Tiki tour: the scenic, roundabout route.
- Bach: a holiday home, often somewhere remote.
- Ute: the vehicle you’ll need to get there.
- Chur: thanks, cheers.
More Kiwi words are in our New Zealand slang guide.
Example sentence
Their farm is way out in the wop-wops, two hours from the nearest town.
Similar words
the sticks, the boonies, back of beyond
Notes
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