Aussie Slang — Words & Phrases You Can Use In Your Everyday Conversations

“Confused and overwhelmed”. This is how a lot of people feel when talking to the locals for the first time, not only because of the unfamiliar accent but also because of the use of slang. Much like the Australian way of life, ‘Aussie English’ is very relaxed. They’re said to have been shortening their words since the 1800s, it’s just part of the culture! To help you understand your Aussie friends better, have a look at this list.

Expressions

G’day

Meaning: You’ve probably heard this plenty. It’s a greeting that is derived from ‘good day’.  Instead of saying hi, hey, or hello when acknowledging someone, g’day is more commonly used.

How to use it: When you see someone you want to greet you can say “G’day, mate” or “G’day, how’s it going?”

Good on ya

Meaning: It’s an expression that is used to show your approval of what someone has done or a way of saying ‘congratulations’, ‘well done’, ‘good job’, or ‘good work’. It is sometimes used sarcastically so you have to look out for that too.

How to use it: As in ‘well done’: “You really made this beautifully. Good on ya!” Sarcastic: “You made a mistake again. Good on ya.”

No worries

Meaning: In my experience, this word is used as a response when someone says ‘thank you’. It’s like saying ‘you’re welcome’ or ‘it’s OK’

How to use it: “Thanks for this” —”No worries”

Reckon

Meaning: This simply means ‘think’ but only in the context of someone’s opinion about something. It is used to express or ask how someone thinks of something.

How to use it: “I reckon it’ll be alright.” “Do you reckon this looks good?”

Ta

Meaning: You’d hear this quite often. It just means ‘thank you’

How to use it: “Here’s your receipt” — “Ta!”

She’ll be right

Meaning: This doesn’t really pertain to a female. It’s a phrase that means don’t worry, it will be alright.It’s used to express reassurance.

How to use it: “Don’t worry about it, she’ll be right”

Iffy

Meaning: When someone says that something’s iffy it means that it’s a bit risky.

How to use it: “I’m not sure if I’ll join, it seems a bit iffy.”

Flat out

Meaning: In Australia, when someone say they’re flat out, it means they’re really busy.

How to use it: “Sorry, I won’t be able to come later, I’m flat out”

Righto

Meaning: It can be used in many different situations and can mean differently depending on how you use it. It can simply mean ‘OK’ or It could also mean ‘enough of this, lets do the next thing’.

How to use it: “Righto, now let’s serve dinner.”

Food

Brekky– Breakfast
Avo– Avocado
Barbie– Barbecue
Biccy– Biscuits
Chook– Chicken
Lollies– Sweets
Snag– Sausage
Maccas– McDonald’s
Cuppa– a cup of, usually a cup of tea
Tea– Dinner
Dirty bird– KFC

Places

Straya– Australia
Brizzie– Brisbane
Melbs-Melbourne
Tassie– Tasmania
Woolies– Woolworth’s
Servo– service station, petrol station
Uni– University

People

Mate– Friend
Bogan– Someone unsophisticated. This is derogatory, I’d suggest not using this word.
Coppers– Policemen
Ambo – ambulance officer
Thongs– flip flops
Bloke– Male
Sheila– Female

Things

Daks– Trousers
Trackie Daks– tracksuit pants
Sunnies– Sunglasses
Ciggie – cigarette
Durry – same as ciggie
Rego – car registration
Telly – television
Undies– Underwear
Lippy – lipstick

Others

Arvo– Afternoon
Smoko – smoking break
Footy– Football
Mozzie– Mosquito 
Roo – Kangaroo

Activity (fill in the blank)

Conclusion

Migrating to a foreign country is difficult enough on its own so familiarising yourself with its language will come in quite handy as you get settled in Australia. Plus, one of the joys of being in a new country is meeting new people and having conversations with the locals. Knowing the slang words and phrases listed above should aid you in doing so.

Did I miss something? Share it with us in the comment section below.

Disclaimer All content and information in this post is for purposes of sharing my experiences only, does not constitute professional advice and does not establish any kind of professional-client relationship.

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