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judder bar

New Zealand's colourful term for a speed bump — those raised ridges on roads designed to slow traffic down.

ˈd͡ʒʌdɚ ˈbɑɹ134 viewsLast reviewed Jun 29, 2026+ Add a definition
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#1·Apr 28, 2026

New Zealand's colourful term for a speed bump — those raised ridges on roads designed to slow traffic down. The name is delightfully literal: drive over one too fast and your whole car will judder. Kiwis use it in everyday conversation the way Australians say 'speed hump' and Americans say 'speed bump.' It also pops up in Australian usage occasionally. If you're road-tripping through NZ and see a sign warning of judder bars ahead, ease off the accelerator.

The school zone had three judder bars in a row, so everyone slowed to a crawl.
Origin: From 'judder' (to shake or vibrate violently, British English) + 'bar.' The term is well-established in New Zealand English. Editorial expansion authored on Slangora.
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#2·Apr 27, 2026

(New Zealand) speed bump.

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