General
scarfie
What does scarfie mean?
A tertiary student, particularly at the University of Otago in Dunedin, named for the scarves worn against the southern cold.
"The flat was full of scarfies during O-Week."
Origin
New Zealand term for a Dunedin university student, from the scarves worn in the cold Otago climate.
Frequently asked questions
What is a scarfie in New Zealand?
A scarfie is a university student, especially one at the University of Otago in Dunedin, named for the scarves worn against the southern cold.
Where does the word scarfie come from?
It comes from the scarves Dunedin students traditionally wore to cope with the cold Otago climate.
Is scarfie an insult?
No, it's a lighthearted nickname for Otago students, often used with affection or as a badge of identity.
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