G’day, Bruce! (or Sheila) We all know some Aussie slang words probably picked up from repeated viewings of Crocodile Dundee as kids – or is that just me?! As they say in Australia – fair dinkum mate!
In this article, you will find my guide to Australian slang words and phrases including all the essential terms you need to know before you visit Australia whether on holiday, to study or to live.
At the end of the article, you will also find links to many of our other articles about life in Australia.
An A – Z of Australian slang
AMBO – paramedic
ARVO – afternoon
AVOS – avocados
* These are 3 perfect examples of the ‘o’ phenomenon which you will hear a lot! Why say the entire word when it can be shortened and an “o” added!
BANANA BENDER – someone from Queensland
BARBIE – barbeque
BARRACK – to cheer on (football team etc.)
BATHERS – swimsuit
BIKKIE – biscuit
BLUDGER – lazy person
BOOMER – large male kangaroo
BOTTLE-O – liquor shop
BRIZZIE – Brisbane
CHEWIE – chewing gum
CHOOK – chicken
CHUNDER – vomit
COMPO – compensation pay for workers
CRAPPA – loo
CROOK – ill
DAMPER – bread made from flour and water
DEVO – devastated
DOCKET – bill
DOONA – duvet
DRONGO – stupid person
DUNNY – toilet
EKKA – the name of the annual show in Brisbane
ESKY – large insulated food/drink container for picnics, barbecues etc.
FAIR DINKUM MATE – the real deal
FANG IT – drive really fast
FISHO – fish shop
FOOTIE – rugby
FOSSICK – search for something
GALAH – stupid person
GOON – wine in a box
GROG – beer
HOON – hooligan
JOURNO – journalist
JOCKIES/JOCKS – boxer shorts/underwear
KINDY – kindergarten
LOLLIES – sweets
LOUNGE – sofa
MACCAS – McDonald’s
MANCHESTER – bed linen & sheets!
NUMBAT – error of judgement
POKIES – slot machines
PORT – suitcase (in Queensland)
REGO – vehicle registration
ROAD TRAIN – big truck with many trailers
ROOT – sex “have a root”
RUMPUS – kids/family room
SARVO – afternoon
SALVOS – Salvation Army
SANGA – sandwich
SHNITTY – schnitzel (very popular in Australia!)
SERVO – petrol station
SLAB – carton of 24 bottles or cans
SMOKO – coffee break
SNAG – sausage
SOCCER – football
STICKYBEAK – nosy person
STRIDES – trousers
SUNNIES – sunglasses
SWAG – rolled up bedding
TANTY – tantrum
THONGS – flipflops
TRACKY DAKS – tracksuit pants
TUCKER – food
UTE – utility truck
VEGO – vegetarian
WOOP WOOP – Middle of nowhere
YAKKA – hard work
YWEY – u-turn
Fruit & Veg
BROCCOLINI – baby broccoli
ZUCCHINI – courgette
SNOW PEAS – sugar snap peas/mangetout
CAPSICUM – peppers
EGGPLANT – aubergine
Aussie slang quiz!
More to read before you visit Australia
Check out my other informative guides covering Australian culture, life and travel including my guide to iconic Australian food, what to expect of an Aussie Xmas, tips on what NOT to do when in Australia, and books to read, TV shows, and films to watch before you arrive!
Think you know Australia pretty well? Why not take my bonza Australian general knowledge quiz!
Visiting New Zealand? Make sure you know some Kiwi slang terms before you go!
More to read about Australia:
- Australia Travel Guide – Everything you need to know about visiting or living in Australia