Story: English language in New Zealand

'I'm absolutely buggered' (1st of 2)

In 1956 All Black Peter Jones earned himself a place in history, not just for his rugby playing, but for words uttered after a test match win over South Africa's Springboks. Straight after the game, Jones told a radio journalist – in true Kiwi bloke form – 'I'm absolutely buggered.' Jones didn't realise that his words were being broadcast live to the nation, in an era when 'buggered' was not a word to be used in such a public setting. The All Black's victory shielded him from criticism, though it did cause a flap in the halls of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service. Listen to Jones's immortal words, recalled decades later in cartoon form by Murray Webb.

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: H-474-001
Cartoon by Murray Webb

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (Peter Jones, 1956/Reference ID23252).

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How to cite this page:

Dianne Bardsley, 'English language in New Zealand - Characteristics of New Zealand English', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/speech/40316/im-absolutely-buggered (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Dianne Bardsley, published 5 Sep 2013