Australian English is known for its unique words and expressions—the majority of which often leaves visitors scratching their heads in confusion. Australians have a tendency to shorten words and use them in the strangest ways (at least, to non-Australians).
And while it’s close to British English, many of their words have completely different meanings and usages. Compare that to American English, and boy are you in for a lot of confusion.
Common Australian Slangs
Here is a list of Australia’s commonly used slangs. Whether you’re there for a visit or a long-term stay, knowing their local vocabulary will make the experience a lot more enjoyable.
1. Aussie
Aussie is the shortened form of Australian—a person from Australia!
Example: She’s an aussie so she’s probably familiar with vegemite.
2. Barbie
No, not the popular doll. Barbie is the shortened form for barbecue.
Example: Australians love a barbie as much as Americans.
3. G’day
G’day mate is a popular greeting that means “Hello!”
Example: G’day mate! Got some ciggies on ya?
4. Bottle-O
A bottle-o, also known as a bottle shop or liquor store, is any place that sells alcohol.
Example: Gotta go to the bottle-o for a pack of tinnies.
5. Tinny
A tinny is a can of beer. It can also mean a small boat.
Example: He’s already finished a couple of tinnies when we got there.
6. Maccas
Maccas is what Australians call the world-renowned McDonalds.
Example: She really ate at Maccas for a week.
7. Acca Dacca
Americans pronounce the letters of AC/DC, while Aussies simply call them Acca Dacca.
Example: Acca Dacca is a much loved band from Australia.
8. Thongs
No, not the type of underwear or swimsuit but the Australian slang for flipflops.
Example: My thongs broke while on the beach.
9. Bogan
A bogan is someone who’s not very sophisticated. Usually pejorative, but can also be used as a joke term between friends.
Example: You don’t use mayo on steak, you bogan!
10. Mate
Just like the British, Aussies use mate to mean friend.
Example: Oi mate! You forgot your wallet!
11. Fair Dinkum
Fair dinkum means honest or genuine. It’s similar to how you use the word “honest” to emphasize that you’re being sincere.
Example: They’re fair dinkum magicians when it comes to cooking.
12. Crikey!
Popularized by Steve Irwin, crikey is an expression of surprise similar to “blimey!”
Example: Crikey! It’s a cold day, ain’t it?
13. Drongo
A drongo is a foolish or silly person.
Example: Mate, try not to be a drongo in front of her, yeah?
14. Esky
Derived from “Eskimo”, an esky is an insulated container meant to keep things cold. In the US, you call these coolers.
Example: You need more ice in your eskies.
15. Bathers
In Australia, bathers mean swimsuits.
Example: She forgot her bathers so we gotta stop somewhere to buy one.
16. Larrikin
A larrikin is someone who’s always up for a laugh. A harmless prankster, if you will.
Example: James is the larrikin of the group. Always expect that he’s up to something.
17. Galah
A Galah is an Australian bird that’s perceived to be stupid. Hence, it’s also used to mean stupid or idiotic.
Example: Mate, your brother’s a bit of a galah.
18. Pash
A pash is a long, passionate kiss.
Example: Your mom and dad did a lot of pashing in high school.
19. Root
In the Land Down Under, a root means sexual intercourse. A person who enjoys sex (maybe a little to much) is called a root rat.
Example: You’ll understand why Aussies find it funny when they hear someone “root for their team”.
20. Sickie/Chuck a sickie
A sickie is a sick day. To chuck a sickie means to take a sick day when you aren’t actually sick.
Example: She’ll chuck a sickie so she can catch up with a friend.
21. Fairy floss
The British call it candy floss while Americans say cotton candy. Australians, on the other hand, call this spun sugar confection, fairy floss.
Example: I don’t like fairy floss—makes too much of a mess.
22. Crack the shits
To crack the shits means to get angry at someone or something
Example: He totally cracked the shits with his family yesterday.
23. Aussie Salute
To do an Aussie salute is to wave your hand to scare away flies.
Example: He does Aussie salutes so often that he sometimes does it unconsciously.
24. John Dory
A John Dory means gossip, similar to the United States’ use of “tea.”
Example: What’s the John Dory on this fight?
25. Dog’s Breakfast
When an Australian calls something a dog’s breakfast, they’re saying its chaotic or a complete mess.
Example: That concert was a complete dog’s breakfast. They couldn’t even stop the stampede.
26. She’ll be apples
She’ll be apples is an old slang for “things will be alright.”
Example: Don’t worry about the test. She’ll be apples.
27. Liquid Laugh
A liquid laugh is either vomit or the act of vomiting.
Example: He’s had too much to drink that’s why he’s having a liquid laugh.
28. Good Oil
When someone says good oil, they’re saying that your information is reliable, trustworthy, or a good idea.
Example: Look at them smiling big and toothy. That tip they got must’ve been good oil.
Talking Like an Aussie
A lot of Australian slang are simply shortened forms of words or phrases. You could get by if you can quickly figure out what they mean.
Most of these diminutive forms can be divided into two categories. First are those that end in -ie, and -y such as brekkie (breakfast) and lippy (lipstick). Second are those that end in -o such as preggo (pregnant) and avo (avocado).
It’s made Aussie slang sound like a fun, grown-up version of a kid’s language. Imagine having to say, Crikey mate! Don’t crack your shits at a barbie just ’cause your team had a dog’s breakfast of a match.
Still, you’ll need to up your game and learn slang that’s truly Australian like piece of piss (very easy), grinning like a shot fox (very happy), and do the Harry (to get the hell out of here). Without a reference, you’ll be left confused at what people mean.
What’s your favorite Australian slang? Share it in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 35 British Slang Words We Should All Be Using
- 25 Canadian Slang Words That Are Fun To Use
- 25 Weird English Words to Expand Your Vocabulary
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
