Aussie Slang You Must Know When You Arrive in Australia
- Shelley Tilbrook
- Jan 1
- 3 min read
Learn to speak like a local - 18 essentials you must know!
Moving to Australia can be an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its own set of challenges—like getting used to Aussie slang! Australians love shortening words and using phrases that might leave you scratching your head at first. To help you settle in, I’ve put together a list of essential Aussie slang you’ll encounter when you arrive.
Understanding these phrases will make your life easier and help you feel more at home in no time!
G’day You’ll hear this one right off the bat. "G’day" is a casual way to say hello. It’s as Australian as it gets! You might also hear “How ya goin’?” which means "How are you?"
Arvo If someone asks to catch up in the “arvo,” they mean the afternoon. Aussies love to shorten words, and this one is used all the time.
Brekkie Breakfast is almost always called “brekkie.” So, if someone suggests grabbing brekkie, they’re asking you out for a morning meal.
Macca’s This one refers to McDonald’s! If someone asks if you want to hit “Macca’s,” they’re talking about the golden arches.
Servo A “servo” is a service station or gas station. Handy when you need to fill up the car!
Bottle-O This is a liquor store. Aussies love a casual drink, so you might find yourself popping by the “bottle-o” to grab a few beers or a bottle of wine for a BBQ.
Barbie Speaking of BBQs, “barbie” is short for barbecue. You’ll often hear “Let’s throw a few snags (sausages) on the barbie.” It’s a social staple in Australia, so be prepared for lots of BBQs!
8. ThongsNope, not what you’re thinking! In Australia, “thongs” are flip-flops. So don’t be confused if someone tells you to wear thongs to the beach.
Bogan A “bogan” is a term used to describe someone who is unsophisticated or from a working-class background. It can be used humorously, but it’s best to be careful when using it, as it can also be offensive.
Fair Dinkum This means “true” or “real.” If someone says “fair dinkum,” they’re assuring you that something is genuine or honest.
No Worries This is a phrase you’ll hear often and can be used in many contexts. It means “it’s okay” or “no problem.” It reflects the laid-back nature of Aussie culture.
Reckon Instead of saying “I think” or “I believe,” Aussies often use “reckon.” For example, “I reckon it’ll rain tomorrow.”
RipperIf something is “ripper,” it means it’s fantastic or awesome. You might hear someone say, “That’s a ripper of an idea!”
Sheila/Bloke“Sheila” is slang for a woman, while “bloke” refers to a man. These terms are often used casually to describe someone in conversation.
Lollies In Australia, “lollies” refer to all kinds of sweets or candy. So when someone offers you lollies, they’re talking about sweets, not just lollipops.
Dodgy If something is “dodgy,” it’s suspicious or not quite right. For example, if a deal seems too good to be true, you might hear someone say, “That seems dodgy.”
Esky An “esky” is a cooler or portable icebox. It’s often used to keep drinks cold during BBQs or picnics.
Straya Australians even shorten the name of their own country! “Straya” is how Aussies refer to Australia, especially in casual conversations.
Conclusion: Get Ready to Speak Like a Local
Learning Aussie slang is a fun part of settling into life in Australia. While it might take a bit of time to get used to these phrases, understanding and using them will help you feel more connected to the local culture. Don’t worry if you don’t get it right away—Aussies are friendly and laid-back, and they’ll appreciate your effort. So, whether you’re grabbing a “brekkie” with mates or heading to a “barbie,” you’ll soon be talking like a true local!
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