Learn the lingo
Even people from English-speaking countries sometimes say they find it hard to understand what Australians are talking about.
We don't think it is our Aussie accent that is causing the problem; it's more than likely our unique Aussie slang.
Time is the only thing that will help you adjust to the Australian accent. But this guide will help you understand some of the more common slang words you may hear in Australia.
| We say | You might say |
|---|---|
|
Arvo |
Afternoon |
|
ARIA |
Australian Record Industry Award – the highest honour for musicians in Australia |
|
Barbie |
BBQ or barbecue. Usually a relaxed social get together where food (usually meat) is cooked on a grill or hotplate. Australian men like to take charge of this aspect of cooking |
|
Bikkie |
Biscuit |
|
Bingle |
Motor vehicle accident |
|
Bloke |
Man, guy |
|
Bluey |
Bluebottle (stinging jellyfish). Bizarrely, it can also mean blue cattle dog or redheaded person |
|
Boardies |
Board shorts. Originally worn by surfboard riders, they are now the preferred swimwear of many ‘blokes’ |
|
Bottle-o |
Liquor shop, off-licence |
|
Budgie smugglers |
Tight-fitting men’s swimming costume. Often the source of ridicule, especially when worn by a ‘polly’ |
|
BYO |
Restaurant or party where you ‘Bring Your Own’ food or drink (usually alcohol) |
|
Chewy |
Chewing gum |
|
Chook |
Chicken, usually a hen |
|
Cuppa |
Cup of tea or coffee |
|
Digger |
Soldier or ex-serviceman |
|
Daks |
Trousers |
|
Esky |
Large, insulated food/ drink container. An essential for every ‘barbie’ |
|
Footy |
Football. Usually refers to Australian Rules Football, especially popular in Victoria |
|
Flat out |
To be ‘flat out’ means to be very busy |
|
G’day |
Hello |
|
Garbo |
Garbage collector |
|
Hooroo |
Goodbye |
|
Icy pole |
Iced lolly, ice block, popsicle |
|
Jaffle iron |
Heated sandwich press used to make toasted sandwiches (‘jaffles’), stuffed with anything from ham and cheese to baked beans |
|
Kindy |
Kindergarten. School attended by children around 5 years old |
|
Knock |
To ‘knock’ something means to criticise it |
|
Lingo |
Language, especially slang |
|
Mozzies |
Mosquitoes |
|
Nipper |
Young surf lifesaver |
|
Op shop |
Opportunity shop or thrift store, where second-hand goods can be bought. ‘Vinnies’ is a perfect example |
|
Pav |
Pavlova. A meringue based dessert Australia takes credit for (don’t listen to anyone from New Zealand who tells you otherwise) |
|
Piker |
Someone who ‘pikes’ – that is, quits or leaves early |
|
Polly |
Politician |
|
Plonk |
Cheap wine |
|
Postie |
Postman |
|
Rego |
Registration (usually for a car) |
|
RSL |
Stands for Returned and Services League. Usually refers to a club where locals meet. Not just for ‘diggers’ |
|
Sanger |
Sandwich |
|
Schooner |
Glass of beer. Varies in size according to which state or territory you’re in |
|
Smoko |
Cigarette or coffee break |
|
Shout |
‘My shout’ means ‘my turn to pay’ or ‘my treat’ |
|
Stoked |
Pleased or delighted. Originally a surfer’s term |
|
Servo |
Service station, where petrol (gas) can be bought, and other basic goods |
|
Sunnies |
Sunglasses |
|
Sook |
Person who is tame, pathetic, or sorry for themselves |
|
Thongs |
Cheap rubber footwear, known as flip-flops or jandles. Not to be confused with a skimpy form of underwear |
|
Togs |
Swimming costume. Also called ‘cozzie’ |
|
Tool |
Idiotic person |
|
Tradies |
Tradesmen (plumbers, electricians, etc.) |
|
Ugg boots |
Warm sheepskin boots worn by surfers since the 1960s. Made famous (or infamous?) by Pamela Anderson. Also referred to as ‘Uggies’ |
|
Ute |
Utility vehicle, pick up truck. Usually driven by ‘tradies’ |
|
Vinnies |
Stands for Saint Vincent de Paul – one of Australia’s oldest charities, which operates many ‘op shops’ around the country |
|
Woop woop |
Small, remote town |
|
Wuss |
Weak, cowardly or nervous person |
|
Yewy |
‘U-turn’, or 180-degree turn, usually made on the road |
|
Yakka |
Hard work (used as a noun) |
This article covers general information about Australian slang. Please use it as a guide only.