by Olly RichardsAustralians are super friendly people and their friendliness is reflected in the way they speak English.
If you’ve ever spoken to a person from Australia, you might have noticed their ability to turn almost any word into a slang version.
There are indeed many Australian slang expressions and, in this post, you’ll not only learn 100 of them, but you’ll also discover interesting things about the land of kangaroos.
Are you ready? Let’s explore Australian slang.
1. G’day!
I think I heard “G’day!” 20,000 times when I was in Australia. It’s the typical informal Australian greeting. If you want to say it like a real Australian, here’s the best pronunciation you’ll ever find online.
Example: “G’day, mate! How’s it going?”
2. Aussie
Aussie (pronounced as /ˈɒzi/) is a person from Australia. It can also be used as an adjective meaning “from or connected to Australia”.
Example (noun): “He’s an Aussie from Melbourne!”
Example (adjective): “I love the Aussie accent!”
3. Down Under
Down under is an informal idiom that means “to or in Australia”.
There’s a famous song by Men At Work called Down Under. The chorus goes like this:
“Living in a land down under
Where women glow and men plunder
Can't you hear, can't you hear the thunder? Ooh, yeah
You better run, you better take cover”
Example: “She was born in Italy, but she's been living down under for many years.”
4. Mate
“Mate” is a classic slang word used down under. It means “friend”. It’s also used in British slang but Aussies use it more passionately.
They use it so often that some Australian products have the word “mate” in them! Coffee Mate, and Our Mate are just two of those.
Example:
Mate A: “Are you alright, mate?”
Mate B: “Yeah, mate, all good.”
5. Arvo
Aussies are known for their creative ability to shorten words.
Wikipedia says: “Linguist Anna Wierzbicka argues that Australians' use of diminutives reflects Australian cultural values of mateship, friendliness, informality, and solidarity.”
So here you have “arvo,” which is short for “afternoon”.
Example:
Mate A: “Let's hit the beach this arvo, mate.”
Mate A: “Yeah, mate, let’s do it!”
6. Barbie / Barby
No, this isn’t a doll. In Australian slang, barbie means barbecue!
Example:
Mate A: “Throw another shrimp on the barbie, mate!”
Mate B: “Oh yeah, mate!”
7. Brekkie
Brekkie simply means “breakfast”.
Example: “The best brekkie spot is just around the corner!”
8. Bikkie
You can have a bikkie for breakkie (uh?). Yeah, bikkie means biscuit.
Example: “Grab a bikkie with your tea.”
7. Bottle-o
“Bottle-o” means “bottle shop”. In Australia, alcoholic beverages aren’t sold in supermarkets like in some other countries.
Australians have special stores for that called bottle shops. You buy your alcoholic drinks but then you consume them elsewhere, not in the store.
Example: “I’ll go the bottle-o to get the beers!”
8. Crook
If you’re crook or feel crook, you feel sick or unwell.
Example: “I'm feeling a bit crook today.”
9. Chook
This is an animal: chicken
Example: “We're having chook for dinner.”
10. Esky
An esky is a portable container that keeps things cold, especially drinks. Aussies love camping, picnics, and cool beer. Having an Esky is crucial!
The word Esky comes from the Australian brand that makes coolers and it’s derived from the word “Eskimo”. (It all makes sense, doesn’t it?)
Example: “Mate, I forgot to bring the esky with the drinks!”
11. Fair Dinkum
This article in The Sunday Morning Herald, a popular Australian newspaper, says that “‘dinkum’ comes from the English Midlands and meant work. ‘Fair dinkum’ referred to a fair day's work and subsequently fair play.”
Today Australians use “fair dinkum” to mean honest/acceptable or to emphasise that something is real or true.
Some examples:
“He's a fair dinkum Aussie.”
“Are you fair dinkum about moving to Australia? It's a big step!”
“Everything I've told you is fair dinkum.”
“That's a fair dinkum Aussie accent.”
12. Grog
Any alcoholic drink, especially beer.
The term comes from the 18th century from Old Grog, which seemed to be the nickname of Admiral Vernon who ordered diluted rum to be served out to sailors in 1740.
This is what the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary says.
Example: “We've got plenty of grog for the night.”
13. Maccas
Maccas is Australian slang for McDonald's.
Example: “Fancy a quick bite at Maccas?”
14. Mozzie
Here we go again: mozzie is short for mosquito (lol!)
Example: “Watch out for the mozzies at dusk. They’ll eat you alive!”
15. Pash
A pash is a passionate kiss (with some tongue).
Example: “They had a long pash under the stars.”
16. Servo
A service station, where you stop to fill up your car with fuel.
Example: “We’ll have to fill up at the servo before we head out.”
17. Snag
A sausage, what Australians love eating!
Example: “Throw a couple of snags on the barbie while I get the stubbies.” (See the next term on this list)
18. Stubby
A small, fat bottle of beer usually holding 0.375 litres.
Example: “Hand me a stubby, would ya?”
19. Thongs
This is what in Britain are called flip flops, a type of open shoe, typically made of plastic or rubber, that has a string that goes between the big toe and the toe next to it.
Example: “Don't forget your thongs for the beach!”
20. Ute
Did you know that the largest cattle station in the world is in South Australia? Well, now you know 🙂 It’s called Anna Creek Station and has an area of 23,677 square kilometres (!).
But why am I telling you this? Because there are many farmers in Australia and many of them drive a ute, what Americans call a “pickup truck”. In Australian slang, a ute is short for “utility vehicle”.
Example: “Have you loaded the ute with crates?”
21. Bogan
This is a derogatory Australian slang word for someone who dresses, speaks, and behaves in a way that’s thought to show a lack of education and low social class. It can also be used as an adjective (e.g. bogan language)
Example:
Mate A: “Jeez, look at those bogans over there. What are they doing?”
Mate B: “Looks like they’re fighting over a beer.”
22. Crikey!
I love this expression! This is a word that you should use with emphasis and enthusiasm because it shows you’re surprised. It’s like saying, “Wow!”
Example:
Mate A: “I worked 14 hours straight yesterday.”
Mate B: “Crikey! That’s a lot, mate!”
23. Good On Ya!
This is short for “good on you” and it’s used to compliment somebody or show approval. It’s like saying, “Well done!” or “Good job!”
Mate A: “I’ve got a pay rise! ”
Mate B: “Crikey! Good on ya, mate!”
24. No Worries
This is a classic Australian slang expression. Australians use it all the time in many different situations. They might say it in response to “thank you,” “sorry,” or to say you should relax and not worry.
Mate A: “Thanks for taking care of the kids this arvo.”
Mate B: “No worries.”
25. Yeah Nah
In no. 5, when I explained the word “arvo,” I told you that Australians are friendly towards each other and this is reflected in the way they speak.
“Yeah nah” is another term that proves that. It means “no,” but it’s a soft “no” that allows you to sound less aggressive or blunt.
Some interesting info about this term: I looked it up in the Collins Dictionary and found this:
“It can be heard on the building site, and in the boardroom. The phrase has been used 997,000 times on Twitter since 2010, and its usage has increased over time.”
Example:
Mate A: “Are you coming to the party tonight?”
Mate B: “Yeah nah, I think I’ll stay in, mate. Cheers”
Mate A: “No worries.”
26. How Ya Goin’?
This means “How are you?” but it doesn’t really require a response. It’s more of a form of greeting than anything else. Australians use it all the time.
Example: “G’day mate, how ya goin’?”
27. Heaps
This means “a lot”. When I left Australia, a friend I’d made there said, “Love you heaps! I’ll miss ya!”
Another example: “Mate, I saw heaps of kangaroos down there.”
28. Ciggy
Australian slang for a cigarette.
Example: “Let’s go for a ciggy.”
29. Smoko
“Smoko” refers to a short break you take at work. You may have a ciggy, tea, or coffee during smoko.
An Australian band called “The Chats” made this Australian slang word popular in the US and the UK with their song “Smoko.”
They sing, “I’m on smoko, so leave me alone!” I invite you to watch their music video, which has 20 million views at the time of writing this!
Example:
Mate A: “What time is it? Is it smoko yet?”
Mate B: “Yeah mate, let’s go for coffee.”
30. Paddock
In Australian English, a paddock is any field or area of land that has fences around it. I’ve been to Australia and saw many of these.
Example: “I’ll take you to the paddock on my four wheeler”
31. Lollies
This is what Americans call “candy” and British people call “sweets.”
Example: “Stop eating lollies!”
32. Sheila
An Australian slang term meaning “woman.”
Example: “Look at that sheila. She’s a cool one, isn’t she?”
33. Ta
“Thank you” is too long. “Ta” is better.
Example:
Waiter: “Here’s your coffee.”
Customer: “Ta”
34. Bush
The “bush” is another term for “the countryside.” Most of Australia is made of this and many inexperienced tourists get lost in the bush. Don’t be one of them!
Example:
Mate A: “Let’s go camping in the bush this weekend.”
Mate B: “Good idea, mate. Let’s do that!”
35. Pommy
The terms pommy, pommie, and pom refer to a British person. This is often used as an offensive, derogatory term. Some say it’s not. To be on the safe side, better not to use it.
36. Far Out!
One of my favourite Australian slang phrases! This is what you say when you’re surprised or can’t believe something.
Mate A: “Did you know there are more kangaroos than people in Australia?”
Mate B: “Far out! No, I didn’t!”
37. Selfie
This is now used worldwide but is originally from Australia!
Wikipedia says: “The first known use of the word selfie in any paper or electronic medium appeared in an Australian internet forum on 13 September 2002 – Karl Kruszelnicki's ‘Dr Karl Self-Serve Science Forum' – in a post by Nathan Hope.”
I don’t think you need an example of this, do you?
38. Bludger
A bludger is someone who is lazy or avoids work. It’s clearly not you.
Example: “C’mon mate, give me a hand. Don’t sit there like a bludger!”
39. Dunny
This means toilet or bathroom. Why not call it toily or bathy though? Here’s the answer: “dunny” comes from the British dialect word “dunnekin,” a fusion of two other words: “dung” (cow’s poo) and “ken” (house). So, that’s why.
Example: “Where's the dunny? I need to go!”
40. Hard Yakka
Hard work. The term “yakka” comes from “yagara,” which in one of the many aboriginal languages means “work.”
Example: “Building those fences was hard yakka, mate.”
41. Ripper
This is an adjective that Aussies use to describe something they think is excellent, fantastic, great. It’s also a noun used in the following expression: “a ripper of a something” (see the example).
Example (noun):
“That was a ripper of a party last night!”
“Taylor Swift’s last show was a ripper!”
Example (adjective):
“I had a ripper time last night!”
42. I Reckon
“I reckon” is also used in British English but Australians use it more often in conversation. It means “I think.”
Example: “I reckon that must have been hard yakka, mate!”
43. Rock Up
If you rock up to a place, you arrive at that place.
Example:
Mate A: “He rocked up at my place with a bunch of kids who then destroyed my house!”
Mate B: “Crikey!”
44. Tucker
Tucker means “food” – something to be tucked away (=to hide something somewhere or keep it in a safe place) in the stomach.
Example: “I had ripper tucker at that restaurant!”
45. Doggie
An Aussie slang word for “dog”
Example: “Come here, you cute little doggie.”
46. To Go Troppo
This is an interesting one, especially if you speak Italian. Troppo in Italian means “too much” or “very much”.
In Australia, however, troppo was used as a slang term during World War II and referred to mental illness. Aussie soldiers suffered from it after long military service in the tropics.
Put two and two together and you get the meaning of “to go troppo,” which is “to go crazy!” You go troppo because it’s all too much!
Example: “Strewth, what are you doing mate? Have you gone troppo or what?”
(No, strewth isn’t a person’s name. See the next one)
47. Strewth
“Oh my God!” – that’s the function of the word strewth. It’s an exclamation to show surprise or disappointment.
Example: “Strewth, look at the size of that kangaroo!”
48. Acca Dacca
Australia’s international hard rock band. The one and only, the best, the loudest: AC/DC
Example: “I love acca dacca!”
49. Uggies
These are Ugg boots (Ugg is the name of the Australian brand). They’re made from sheepskin and became known internationally in the mid-2000s.
Example: “Do you like my new uggies?”
50. Garbo
An Australian slang term for a type of job. Without garbos our streets would be full of garbage. You got it, if you work as a garbo you collect rubbish from the street.
Example: “My dad used to work as a garbo.”
51. Footy
This could mean rugby league, Australian rules football or soccer.
Example: “Let’s go watch a bit of footy.”
52. Saltie
Salties weigh up to 1,500kg and can reach 6 meters in length. They’re the largest living reptiles. I’m talking about saltwater crocodiles. I’m telling ya mate, you don’t wanna mess with a saltie.
Check out this documentary with Steve Irwin, also known as “The Crocodile Hunter,” to see how big a saltie is.
Example: “Don’t go in there! There may be a saltie that’ll eat ya alive mate!”
53. Brolly
It’s a three-word syllable. There’s no way it’s going to stay that long in Aussie slang. A brolly is an umbrella!
Example: “Don’t forget your brolly.”
54. Cactus
No, it’s not a plant. In Aussie slang, if you say something is cactus, you’re saying it’s broken!
Example: “Strewth, I can’t work! My lappy is cactus!”
55. Lappy
A laptop.
Example: “I’ve gotta get a new lappy.”
56. Cobber
Another Australian slang word for friend. “Mate” is much more common though.
Example: “G’day cobber”
57. To Be Stuffed
In informal English, you say you’re stuffed after eating so much that you can't eat anything else. But in Australian slang, “stuffed” often means tired.
Example:
Mate A: “Sorry mate, I can't come tonight. I'm stuffed.”
Mate A: “No worries.”
58. Goon
Goon is boxed wine. Many backpackers love it as it’s cheap and comes in a 5-litre box.
Other people (I am one of those) find it disgusting. Would you drink it if I told you that the label says, “Produced with the aid of milk, egg, nut, and fish products and traces may remain. Sugar added”?
Some say the term “goon” comes from an aboriginal word for “pillow” as the drink is contained in an inflatable bag (a goon sack) inside the box.
Example:
Mate A: “Would you like some goon?”
Mate B: “No, thanks.”
59. Outback
Once I heard that 98% of the Australian population lives near or on the coasts of Australia while only 2% live in the outback.
This is the area of Australia that is a long way from the coast and the towns. “The Outback” is even more remote than “the bush” (number 34 on this list).
You may be surprised to hear that Aboriginal peoples have lived in the Outback for at least 50,000 years.
Example: “I’ve just booked a 7-day trip to the Outback.”
60. To Be Pissed
If you say someone is pissed, you’re saying they’re drunk. This may cause some confusion at times as “pissed” in American slang means “very annoyed” or “angry”.
Example: “He’s had 4 glasses of goon. He’s pissed. Leave him alone.”
61. Straya
You got it: this means Australia!
Example: “Welcome to Straya, mate.”
62. Ankle Biter
I’m not sure they bite your ankles, but “ankle biters” refers to young kids!
Example: “There were heaps of ankle biters at the party last night.”
63. Ambo
An ambulance – what else could it be?
Example: “We had to call the ambo last night. Mum wasn’t feeling well.”
64. Everyone And Their Mum
Here’s an Australian slang expression that means “a lot of people”
Example: “The stadium was packed! Everyone and their mum was there! ”
65. Ey
This is a way to end a sentence and invite a person to agree with you.
Example: “These snags are good, ey?”
66. Oi!
This is an exclamation and a way to attract attention that you can use in different ways.
Example:
Mate A: “Oi! What are you doing mate? Get back to work, it’s not smoko yet.”
67. To Rack Off
To go away. This is a less rude way to say “f**k off.”
Example: “Rack off, will ya?”
68. Ya
You.
Example: “I’m telling ya, mate. That was a ripper of a movie!”
69. Me
My.
Example: “I swear on me mum I didn’t do it!
71. Rego
To drive in Australia, your car must be registered. “Rego” means “a car registration”
Example: “I need to get me rego for the ute.”
72. Righto
This means “ok,” “all right”
Example:
Mate A: “I’m off to get some food.”
Mate A: “Righto.”
73. Roo
A kangaroo.
Example: “Come, come! There’s a roo in the backyard!”
74. Jocks
Underwear.
Example: “I had nothing but me jocks on, mate! It was so embarrassing!”
75. Lippie
This is Australian slang for lipstick.
Example: “She loves wearing lippie.”
76. Gumbies
These are long waterproof boots made of rubber (gum).
Example: “Have you seen my gunnies anywhere?”
77. Durry
A cigarette.
Example: “Oi, mate, got a spare durry for me?”
78. Cheap As Chips
In Australian slang, something is “cheap as chips” when it’s easy to do or cheap to buy. There’s also a retail chain called Cheap as Chips that has over 50 stores around the country.
Example:
Mate A: “Got a problem with my car. Can you fix it for me?”
Mate B: “Yeah mate. It’s gonna be cheap as chips” (=easy).
79. Chewie
Chewing gum.
Example: “Don't forget to buy some chewie at the servo on your way home.”
80. Misso
This is Australian slang for “Miss,” meaning someone’s wife or girlfriend.
Example: “Me and my misso are going to Bali for the summer.”
81. Beauty
Steve Irwin, the famous Australian zookeeper and conservationist who died in 2006, used to say this all the time when showing animals on camera.
It means a person or thing that is beautiful. This is used also in British and American English, but it’s a typical Australian way to say that something is great.
Example: “His new car is just a beauty!”
82. Bloody Oath
This is an Australian slang expression Aussies use to show they completely agree with someone.
Example: “Bloody oath mate, that is so true!”
83. Boomer
A large male kangaroo.
Example: “I hit a boomer on the highway!”
84. Shoey
A shoey is the act of drinking alcohol out of a shoe! Okay, this is not what normally happens.
But drinking plays a big role in Australian culture (listen to this podcast episode to learn more about it) and sometimes things may get out of hand – if you know what I mean.
85. Cashie
A cashie is a cash-in-hand job.
Example: “If you’re moving to Australia and you’re planning to find a job there, don’t work a cashie – it’s illegal!”
86. Bushpig
Okay, this is a really bad one. The Urban Dictionary says:
“Derogatory label applied to a particularly unattractive woman. Typically used to describe a woman from a rural area who has an unattractive face, a mullet hairstyle, is of stocky build and dresses in flannelette clothing.”
87. F**k Me Dead!
This is an expression to show surprise, anger or excitement. Ozzy Man, a popular Aussie YouTuber, uses it all the time in his videos.
Example: “F**k me dead! Someone has stolen my wallet!”
88. Bob’s Your Uncle
Aussies say this when ending a set of simple instructions to show how simple the task is to complete.
Example: “It’s easy to start this machine. Just press the button, pull the leaver and Bob’s your uncle – it’s on.”
89. Ratbag
This is a term for a troublemaker or someone who’s acting cheeky.
Example: “Don’t be a ratbag and go clean your room.”
90. She'll Be Right
This is a common Australian slang expression that means “everything will be all right”.You can also use it to say that an object is not perfect but is good enough to fulfil its purpose.
Example:
Mate A: “I wasn’t sure which knife to buy. Will this be okay?”
Mate B: Yeah, she’ll be right, mate.
91. We're Not Here To F**k Spiders
This means “we’re not here to mess around.” It can also be used to reply to obvious questions.
Mate A: “Why did you bring all this equipment just for a quick job?”
Mate B: “Mate, we're not here to f**k spiders; let's get this done right.”
92. Cold One / Coldie
A cold beer.
Example: “Grab me a cold one please.”
93. Donk
This can mean two things: 1) a fool and 2) a car’s engine.
Example: “He forgot to put oil in it and he’s blown his donk. What a donk!”
94. Croc
A crocodile.
Example: “Let’s get out of here, mate. There’s a croc down there.”
95. Freshie
A freshwater crocodile!
Example: “He thought he’d seen a freshie near the camping area!”
96. Brumby
A wild horse. There are many in the Australian Outback. Wikipedia says that the term may originate from horses left behind by Sergeant James Brumby.
Example: “We might get a chance to see sone brumbies on the way there.”
97. Joey
A baby kangaroo.
Example: “Look at the joey. It’s a beauty!”
98. Oz
This means Australia.
Example: “Of course I love watching footy. I’m from Oz mate!”
99. Prezzy
A present / gift.
Example: “I’ve got a prezzy for ya.”
100. Sunnies
Australian slang for sunglasses.
Example: “Nice sunnies mate! Where did you get them?”
Mastering Australian Slang Mate
You've got to the end of this post, mate. This list can be helpful but the best way to learn Australian slang may be to hang out with real Aussie people in person or online.
You can watch Australian YouTube channels, for example or listen to Austrailan English podcasts. That will help you immerse yourself in Australian slang.
The StoryLearning® method (learning through stories) is also one of the most effective ways to expose your brain to English.
Keep having fun and happy learning!
