The spelling of the word "kiwis" is often confusing for English learners as it doesn't follow conventional spelling patterns. The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈkiwiz/, with the stressed syllable being the first one. The "k" is pronounced like a "k" sound, followed by a long "i" sound represented by "i." The "w" is pronounced with a "w" sound, followed by a short "i" sound represented by "i," and finally the "s" is pronounced with an "s" sound. Kiwis are a type of fruit native to New Zealand and are a rich source of vitamin C.
Kiwis generally refer to small flightless birds native to New Zealand, but it can also have other meanings in different contexts. In terms of zoology, kiwis are characterized by their long beaks, round bodies, and short wings, which render them unable to fly. They have unique feathers resembling hair-like structures and are primarily nocturnal, staying hidden during the day. The term "kiwis" may also be used more broadly to describe various indigenous species of New Zealand, including the kiwi fruit and the people of New Zealand colloquially known as Kiwis.
Moreover, the kiwi fruit, also known simply as "kiwi," is a small oval-shaped fruit with a skin covered in brown fuzzy hairs and a vibrant green flesh containing small black seeds. It is renowned for its high vitamin C content and unique taste that offers a combination of sweetness and tartness.
Furthermore, Kiwis can refer to individuals or inhabitants of New Zealand. New Zealanders are often informally referred to as Kiwis, derived from the name of the country's native bird. This term is used both by the Kiwis themselves and by people from other nations in a friendly and casual manner. It signifies a sense of national identity and camaraderie among its citizens.
The word "kiwis" has two different but related etymologies.
1. The term "kiwi" refers to the flightless bird native to New Zealand, as well as a colloquial term for New Zealanders themselves. The origin of this usage comes from the Maori language, which is the indigenous language of New Zealand. In Maori, the bird is called "kiwi", named after its distinctive call. The word eventually came to symbolize New Zealand and its people due to the country's association with the bird.
2. The term "kiwi" is also used to refer to the fruit commonly known as kiwifruit. The fruit was originally known as the "Chinese gooseberry" when introduced to New Zealand in the early 20th century. However, in the 1950s, New Zealand began exporting the fruit on a larger scale and decided to rename it to have a more appealing name.