I know many of my blog readers have expressed a special interest in the “Aussie lingo” and the way we speak here. When I think about it, it’s hard to believe how many different words and phrases I’ve picked up in the last 4 months. So I decided to compile a final list so that hopefully you will be able to understand me when I come home and I’m talking a bit funny. Some of these sound pretty ridiculous, but I promise I didn’t put anything on the list that I haven’t heard come out of an Australian’s mouth on numerous occasions. Enjoy!
To start off, we’ve all heard Paul Hogan use the expression, “G’day mate!” Well, that is said here, but not as much as you would think. I was actually surprised on how little I did here the phrase “G’day.” On the other hand, “mate” is used constantly. There is no fella, pal, buddy, dude, or hey you…just “mate”. There are also different contexts you can use the word. Of course, you could say, “Today is my mate’s birthday” meaning that today is my friend’s birthday. However, any stranger can also be your mate. You could tell the cashier at the gas station “Thanks, mate” or if you’re in trouble with the police they could tell you, “You’re under arrest, mate.” Also, as a general note, you wouldn’t call a girl a mate, even if she is your friend. Girls are more generally often referred to as "love," "darling," "doll," "babe," or "darling" (even by other woman). If you have a “D&M” with your friend, then you just had a deep and meaningful conversation.
Australia is truly the country of no worries. In addition to mate, the phrase “no worries” comes out of an Australians mouth almost every other word. “No worries” can mean no problem. If someone bumps into you and says “Sorry!” you would respond “no worries.” It can also replace “Yes.” If someone asked if they could borrow my glue stick, I would respond, “no worries.” Finally, the phrase can be used in place of “you’re welcome.” I told my friend “Thanks for the directions” and he responded, “no worries.”
HEAPS. Aussies say “heaps” heaps. Heaps can either be used in place of “a lot” like in there are heaps of people there or it can be used in place of “really” like in the surf was heaps good today.
“But” is used at the end of a statement. The weather is nice today but. I’m going to go out tonight but. I really like the beach but. You get the picture but.
“As” is used after an adjective to replace “really.” This store is expensive as. That story was funny as. Your car is sweet as. I think that boy is cute as.
When you pass someone or greet someone in the states you would generally say something like “Hey, what’s up? or “Hey, how you doing?” or “Hey, how are you?.” However, in Australia you would say “Hey, how ya going?” At first, it’s pretty weird and I had no idea how to even respond to that question, but it has definitely grown on me and I really like the phrase. Consequently, when asking about other people you would ask how they are “going.” In addition, Australia also uses the phrase “Hey, you alright?” to greet someone. This is more common in England, but I’ve heard this numerous times here. For example if you were to get up to the front of the line to order McDonalds, instead of the cashier asking you “How can I help you?” they often times rather say “Hey, you alright?” or simply “You right?” to which you would appropriately respond, “I’d like one McChicken, 2 Quarter pounders, 1 large coke…”
Australians rarely say “Thank you” but rather “Cheers.” So if a guy holds the door for you, you would respond “Cheers, mate.” I also often sign the end of my emails “Cheers, Kim.” “Good on ya” means “Good job” or “Good for you.” When I told my Australian friend that I received an A on my history paper, he responded “Good on ya.”
Australian’s don’t think, they “reckon.” They are not fond of things, but rather “big on” them. Someone they highly respect is a "legend" and if they dislike someone then they are "off" them. They don't call people, but they "ring" them. They don’t do things right away, but rather “straight away.” If they don’t feel like doing it then they “can’t be bothered.” They don’t rent things, but “hire” them. If they are interested or excited then they are “keen.” If my friends asked if I wanted to go to the beach on Friday I would respond, “I’m keen” and I could tell you that I was “keen for the weekend.”
Australians don’t say “yeah” but rather “yep” or "yer." They don’t say “no” but rather “nah" or "nar."
You never do something, but rather “have” it. I’m going to have a shower. You should have a think about that. We should have a chat later. Come have a look at my house.
You would ask your friends “whatya getting into tonight?” to find out their plans. Don’t go anywhere shady or “dodgy” or “seedy” with them. "Youse" is plural for you as in "youse should come out tonight with us!"
If you buy someone a drink or a meal, you are “shouting” and would most likely say, “It’s my shout.” Don’t expect to sleep at a hotel because a hotel is another name for a pub. You would buy alcohol at a “bottle shop” or “bottle-o.” “Goon” is boxed wine. A “stubby” is a beer bottle. Drunk driving is called “drink driving.” A “Booze bus” is not as fun as it sounds; it is actually a vehicle that cops use to catch people who are “drink driving.”
Your parents are your “oldies,” your mom is your “mum,” your dad can be called “old boy,” and your relatives are your “rellies” or “rellos.” You might get together with your rellies on Christmas or “Crissie” in which you’ll probably exchange “prezzies” or presents. With them, you might also see some “adverts” or advertisements on the “telly” or the television.
Australia also has some interesting job titles. A “sparky” is an electrician. A “firey” is a firefighter. A “chipie” is a carpenter. A “cabbie” is a cab driver. A “journo” is a journalist. An ambulance driver is an “ambo.” A “pollie” is a politician. A “brikie” is a bricklayer. And a garbage man is a “garbo.” A “truckie” is a truck driver. I bet you’d never guess that a “postie” is a postman. Mind you, these are mainstream terminology that would be heard on the evening news. Also, if you read a want add that says they are looking for “casual help” that means part-time work.
Transportation is also a bit confusing. A pick-up is a “ute” while a big transport truck is a “road train.” A car trunk is often called a “boot.” A “bike” refers to a motorcycle, while a “push-bike” refers to a bicycle. A “billy cart” is what we call a go-kart. Don’t forget that you park your car in the “car park” where you try to find a “park” or parking space. Finally, never ask an Aussie for a ride somewhere, but rather a “lift.”
It also seems like everything in Australia seems to get “chucked.” Most commonly it means to throw or toss, so my friend told me to “chuck your coat on the chair.” Someone can also “chuck a sickie” which means to call in sick to work. If you take a u-turn then you just “chucked a yewy.”
Moving on to clothing…bathing suits are called “swimmers” or “togs." "Budgie smuglers” refers to what typically an old man wears that is our equivalent to spedos. Trust me, this is a common thing to see at the beach. “Jim-Jams” or “Jammies” refers to pajamas. Jogging pants are called “trackies” and running shoes are “joggers” or “runners.” Flip flops are “thongs.” A tank top is a “singlet.” Sweatshirts and sweaters are “jumpers” and if you are cold you should “rug-up.” Your “sunnies” are your sunglasses. If you shop at the “op shop” then you shop at the thrift store. And if you're growing a mustache, then you've got a "mo."
As for food: breakfast is “brekkie,” “smoko” is a break, “tea” can often times mean dinner and “supper” can sometimes mean a snack. A sausage is a “snag” and all shrimp are “prawn.” Thus meaning that if you ever hear someone say the phrase “Let’s throw a shrimp on the barbie” that’s a sure way to know that they are definitely NOT Australian. If you’re vegetarian then you’re a “veggo.” McDonald’s is “Macca’s” (both pronounced and spelled exactly like that on many advertisements). While at Macca’s don’t forget that “tomato sauce” is ketchup. An “esky” is a cooler. I think you can figure that one out. If you ask for green peppers at Subway you’ll get a confused look because peppers are “capsicum.” If you ask for a vanilla milkshake you’ll be quite disappointed to discover that you’ll receive milk with vanilla flavoring in it. Rather, you should ask for a “thick shake.” A cookie is a “biscuit.” If someone asks you if you “got a chewie?” they’re asking you if you have any chewing gum. A general word for all candy or sweets is “lollies” and this can refer to anything from chocolate “chockie” to actual lollie pops to tick tacs. A popsicle is called a “paddle pop” or an “icy pole.” Sprite is “lemonade” and lemonade is “lemon sqash.” Jello is “jelly” while jelly is “jam.” Never tell an Australian you had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich because that would be pretty gross. If you order bacon at a restaurant, you’re going to get what we would consider Canadian bacon, or ham. Don’t forget that “chips” are french-fries and “potato chips” are what we would call chips. If you order an “entrée” at a restaurant, you just ordered an appetizer. Instead, you should order a “main.” A “cuppa” is a cup of either coffee or tea. A “flat white” is a coffee with milk, a “long black” is a black coffee, and “short black” is a shot of espresso.
If you’re sick, or feeling a bit "crook" then you go to the “chemist” to fill your prescription. Imagine how confused Australians are the first time they come to America and see that we have a “drug store.”
Everything is described as “hectic.”
Instead of saying “come again?” or “what?” or “huh?” you simply say “hey?” Aussies are like Canadians and add “aye” or “hey” to the end of sentences. The weather is nice today, aye?
Children are “nippers” or my favorite, “ankle biters.” A stroller is called a “pram” and a diaper is called a “nappy.” When you “wagged” that means you skipped school. If a peer asks you for a “rubber” they simply want an eraser. If you went on “schoolies” that means you went on an insane vacation or “holiday” with your friends after year 12 exams. If you attend “Uni” then you go to college and if you’ve got “uni work” then you have homework. You don't do well on a test, but you "smash" it. If someone asks you what you are studying, they’re asking what your major is. A “course” is a class, a “tut” is a tutorial, and you get a “mark” not a grade in the class. You don’t receive a student discount but a “concession.”
Mosquitoes are “mozzies” and kangaroos are “roos.” To whine is to “whinge.” Garbage is “rubbish.” A “doco” is a documentary.” An elevator is a “lift.” "Petrol" is gas. An environmentalist is a “grennie.” Slot machines are “pokies.” Guys are called “boys” or “blokes.” The afternoon is titled “arvo” and the evening is “evo.” A "torch" is a flashlight. A "serviette" is a napkin. A redneck is a “bogan.” A receipt is a “docket.” A “hottie” is a hot water bottle. A shopping cart is a “trolly.” Something beautiful can be described as a “beaut.” If you went “OS” then you went over seas. If something is “right” then it’s okay. If you have red hair, then you're called a "bluey."
The word “piss” can have many different meanings here, all depending on the context. If you “take the piss out of someone” that means you joked around or made fun of them. Of course, you can also “take a piss,” I think we all know what that one means. If you go around saying “I’m pissed!” that means you’re drunk or “blind”, not to be confused with “pissed off” which means you’re angry. “Piss” can also sometimes be the name for alcohol. If, however, you are pissed, please don’t “spew” or puke everywhere. However, be careful if you leave a party or social event early or you might be labeled a “piker.”
The bathroom is always called the “toilet” and if you “got the shits” that means you’re angry. No one here knows what a cell phone is because it’s called your “mobile.” A text message is often called an SMS.
If you haven’t noticed, Aussies love to add the letter “o” to the end of words, especially in people’s names. John goes by Johnno, Steve is Stevo, and Dave is Davo. Consequently, the Aussies call me Kimo.
Aussie’s pronounce herbs WITH the h. A fish fillet is pronounced “fil-let.” Aluminum is pronounced “a-loo-min-e-um.” H is “haytch” and Z “is zed.”
If you are “devo” that means you are sad or depressed. It can also be used in place of “bummer.” If I heard it was going to rain today, I would probably respond, “Oh, devo!”
When saying goodbye, you’d probably hear “Catch ya later” or simply “Catch ya.” I wouldn’t’ talk to you later, but rather “chat to you later.” Often times workers or strangers will say, “See ya later” even though I probably will never see them again in my life.
Gosh, who knew studying abroad in an “English speaking country” would involve learning a new language?
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