American expat was shocked to learn Christmas decorations are called baubles in New Zealand

An American expat living in New Zealand was baffled after spotting the word ‘baubles’ scrawled across a packet of decorations while shopping at Kmart for Christmas.

As someone who has called the festive buy ‘ornaments’ her whole life, Maddie Gemmel, from Arizona, quickly took to Tiktok and shared the culture shock moment with fans. 

‘I’m just here at Kmart doing my Christmas shopping and I’m confused at what I’m seeing so somebody help me out,’ she said.

‘I don’t think I’ve ever heard this word before. That should say ornaments.’

‘What is that word. What? Do you guys say this or do you say ‘ornaments’ for tree decorations?’ she asked.

An American expat living in New Zealand was baffled after spotting the word ‘baubles’ scrawled across a packet of decorations while shopping at Kmart for Christmas 

As someone who has called the festive buy ‘ornaments’ her whole life, Maddie Gemmel, from Arizona, quickly took to Tiktok and shared the culture shock moment with fans. 

However, Kiwis were quick to defend themselves and many said that ornaments and baubles are ‘completely different’.

‘All baubles are ornaments, but not all ornaments are baubles,’ one woman explained.

‘Baubles are round, but ornaments can be any shape or theme,’ another added.

‘That is actually the correct term. Ornaments can be any shape baubles are round or teardrop shape,’ another agreed.

Some commenters were offended that Madi was so shocked at the word difference.

‘Wow. It’s like you’re in another country,’ one man said.

‘Guys wait till she discovers different countries have different languages too,’ a woman added.

Madi has noticed other differences since making the move to New Zealand, particularly variations in slang.

She and her husband often share the difference between American and New Zealand lingo.

For example, she noticed that American people say ‘see you later’ whereas Kiwis say ‘catch yous up.’