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Many travellers around the world are drawn to Australia because of its undeniable uniqueness. It's the only country that is also a continent! It's home to the world's largest coral reef system and the world's oldest rainforest. Australia also has some of the world's most iconic wildlife, and it's one of the most biodiverse developed nations on Earth.
But what makes Australian people so unique? Their slang! Yes, Australians technically do speak English. But they have put a fascinating twist on standard English and turned it into a fun, snappy, entertaining, and sometimes confusing language. So I've created this Aussie slang dictionary to help travellers broaden their knowledge of the hilarious words and phrases they might encounter Down Under.
Understanding Aussie Slang
Understanding Aussie slang is not always a walk in the park! Australians can be extra difficult to understand if you're not a native English speaker as well. They tend to speak really fast and you'll even find that states, regions, and towns have their own specific slang. But it's all part of the Australian travel experience! The culture is very welcoming and laid-back, and Aussies are honestly so much fun to converse with.
Aussie Slang Dictionary
Alright, let's dive into this Aussie slang dictionary! I'll break the words up into categories and include the standard English translations. Slang is so deeply ingrained in Australian culture that sometimes the original word barely exists. Notice how the title of this article is "Aussie Slang Dictionary" and not "Australian Slang Dictionary". You'll rarely hear a local use the full word! So it's important to familiarise yourself with these slang words so you have a better chance of understanding people.
It's also important to note that there are a number of Indigenous languages that existed in Australia prior to the European invasion. Aboriginal Australians are the Traditional Owners of the land, and there are many places around the country where their languages and cultures still thrive. Visit the Australian Government's Indigenous website to learn about Indigenous communities around Australia!
Places
Aus / Oz / Straya - Australia
Tassie - Tasmania
Indo - Indonesia
Billabong - A small pond left behind by a river
The bush - A general term referring to any sort of wild place, like the woods or the wilderness
Bottle'o - Liquor store
Servo - Petrol station / Gas station
Woop woop - The middle of nowhere
Maccas - McDonalds
Dunny - Toilet or bathroom
Op-shop - Second-hand store (The most popular Australian op-shop is Vinnies!)
Food and Drink
Bevvy - Beverage
Grog - Alcohol / Booze
Stubby - A short, fat, bottle of beer
Schooner - A standard glass of beer, normally 425ml or 15oz
Slab - A carton/crate of 24 beers
Goon - A cheap box of wine
Cuppa - A cup of tea (English folk will already know that one!)
Spag bowl - Spaghetti bolognese
Sanga / Sambo - Sandwich
Avo - Avocado
Parmi / Parma - Chicken parmesean
Schnitty - Chicken schnitzel
Lollies - Any type of candy (excluding chocolate)
Choccy - Chocolate
Ice Block / Ice Lolly - A popsicle or a freeze pop, the most common brand is called Zooper Dooper
Biccy - Short for biscuit (for the Americans, biscuits mean cookies)
Snags / Sausos - Sausages
Apparel
Thongs - Flip flops
Runners / Joggers - Trainers (UK) / Sneakers (USA)
Bathers / Swimmers / Cozzie - Swimsuit
Boardies - Men's board shorts
Budgie Smugglers - A brand of men's swim trunks, similar to Speedos
Jumper - Sweater or sweatshirt
Rashie - A shirt worn during water sports that protects you from the sun and salt
Wettie - Wetsuit
Stinger suit - A full body suit to protect against marine stingers, generally made of lycra and thinner than a wetsuit
Marine stingers - Jellyfish
Lippy - Lipstick
Flanno - Flannel shirt
Sunnies - Sunglasses
People
Mate - Friend, also just used as a general greeting term for any male
Bloke - Any male
Missus, often shortened to miso - Girlfriend or wife
Hubby - Husband
Bludger - Lazy person
Kook - Someone who is a beginner or doesn't know what they're doing, commonly used in surf culture
Tradie - Tradesman
Sparky - Electrician
Chippy - Carpenter
Firey - Firefighter
Cabbie - Cab driver
Coppers - Policemen
Journo - Journalist / Writer
Pommies - English people
Bogan - A stereotypical Australian that is generally unsophisticated (sort of like a Redneck in the USA)
Animals
Croc - Crocodile
Freshy - Freshwater crocodile
Saltie - Saltwater crocodile
Mozzie - Mosquito
Roo - Kangaroo
Chook - Chicken
Bities - Insects that bite
Times Of Day
Brekky - Breakfast
Arvo / Arvie - Afternoon
Smoko - Smoke break, or just a mid-day break from work
Knock off - End of a work day
Pres - When you drink before an event or gathering, called pre-drinks in the UK and pre-game in the USA
Kick ons - After hours, or when a party/social gathering continues
Sickie - When you take a sick day from work
Aussie Phrases and Expressions
How ya goin - How are you
G'day - Literally translates to "Good Day" but is used as a casual greeting term
Yeah nah - No
Nah yeah - Yes
Get amongst it - Get into it, get excited
Fair dinkum - A general expression of approval
Have a yarn - Chat
Chock a block, often shortened to chokkas - Very full
My shout - I'll pay, similar to saying "my treat"
Bloody oath - An enthusiastic way to agree with something
Flat out - Really busy
Chuck a U-ey - Make a U-Turn
Good on ya - Good work / Good for you
No wakkas - No worries / No problem
Go for a feed - Go for a meal
Crikey - An expression of surprise, this is probably the one Aussie slang word that most people already know thanks to Steve Irwin
Other Random Aussie Words
Chrissie - Christmas
Petty - Petrol / Gas
Durry - Cigarette
Globe - Lightbulb
Esky - Cooler or a coolbox
Brolly - Umbrella
Till - Cash register
Bin - Garbage can / Trash
Barbie - Barbeque
Ute - Pick-up truck
Devo - To be devastated or sad
Prezzie - Present
Lappy - Laptop
Bail - To cancel plans
Bubbler - Water fountain / Drinking fountain
Footy - Refers to both NRL (National Rugby League) and AFL (Australian Football League), note that AFL is its own unique sport and is nothing like soccer or American football
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