The term "sheep" when used in a lighthearted context, often refers to New Zealand's national animal—well, not officially, but they do outnumber humans by a wide margin. With over 25 million sheep to just over 5 million Kiwis, it's not hard to see why the woolly creatures are synonymous with New Zealand. But why is it a running joke?
Picture New Zealand, lush green landscapes as far as the eye can see, and at every turn, there's a fluffy herd, baa-ing in unison like a baa-ber shop quartet. Kiwis have embraced this ovine invasion with a good sense of humor. The sheep are industrious, always busy eating grass or trying to escape—kind of like Kiwis during a rugby match halftime. It's all in good fun, though. To be a Kiwi is to have a soft spot for these woolly companions, even if they do occasionally steal the spotlight. So when someone calls a Kiwi a "sheep," it's just a nod to the friendly invasion of these fluffy residents and their impeccable grazing skills.
