The Ultimate Aussie Slang Dictionary

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! As an American and a native English speaker who has lived here for 5 years, I still learn new Aussie words and phrases every day. 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.

Check out our post about the best time to backpack Australia so you can plan your trip accordingly!

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

Australia also has its own unique names for different types of coffee! Read our guide to ordering a coffee in Australia for an in-depth explanation.

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

What To Do If I Don't Understand Aussie Slang?

This Aussie slang dictionary has been super long, and there are still tons of Aussie slang words that haven't even made the list! So you don't need to absorb it all now, and the longer you spend in Australia the more these words will make sense to you. 

If you're having trouble understanding Aussie slang while you're here, the best thing to do is ask an Aussie to explain! Generally speaking, Australians are super friendly and laid-back. They love to joke around and have a yarn (Aussie slang in action!), and they will be happy to explain themselves if you're confused.

Asking Australians to justify their weird phrases is half the fun of meeting Australians anyway! So don't be intimidated, and use the slang as an excuse to get into some hilarious conversations with the locals while you're exploring Oz!

Ready to test your Aussie slang knowledge? Check out our East Coast Australia itineraries that will help you make the most of your time Down Under!

Live chat with our travel experts online if you have any questions!