Moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also feel like learning a whole new language, even when you already speak English! If you’ve recently arrived in Australia or planning to study there, you’ll quickly realise that Australians have a language of their own. This post aims to introduce you to some common Australian slang words and phrases, helping you understand and immerse yourself in Australian culture.
- G’day
This is the quintessential Australian greeting, equivalent to “hello” or “hi.” You’ll likely hear it frequently during your time Down Under. For example, “G’day, mate! How’s it going?”
- Arvo
‘Arvo’ is short for afternoon. For instance, you might hear someone say, “See you this arvo,” which means “See you this afternoon.”
- Barbie
No, we’re not talking about the popular doll here! In Australian slang, a ‘barbie’ is a barbecue. It’s a staple of Australian social life. “We’re having a barbie this weekend, want to come?”
- Sheila
‘Sheila’ is a term often used to refer to a woman. However, be cautious with this one, as some people may find it derogatory or outdated.
- Bloke
This term is used to refer to a man, usually in a generic or casual sense. For example, “He’s a good bloke,” meaning “He’s a good guy.”
- Footy
‘Footy’ stands for football. However, in Australia, it usually refers to Australian Rules Football, a popular sport in the country.
- Brekkie
Short for breakfast. An example would be, “Grabbing brekkie at the café, want anything?”
- No Worries
This phrase is used to mean “it’s not a problem” or “that’s okay”. If someone thanks you, you can say, “No worries!”
- Cuppa
A ‘cuppa’ is a cup of tea or coffee. You might hear, “Fancy a cuppa?” when someone’s offering to make a hot drink.
- Fair Dinkum
This phrase is used to confirm the truth of a statement. It’s similar to saying “really?” or “is that so?”. For instance, “He won the lottery? Fair dinkum?”
Australian slang is full of colourful and quirky expressions. This list barely scratches the surface, but it should help you start feeling more at home in Aussie conversations. Remember, it’s all part of the fun of living and studying in a new country. So, go ahead and give it a burl (give it a try)!