 |
Some folks think Australians use funny
words and phrases when they talk, but I think we talk better than anyone in the world! To help you understand some of our more colourful phrases, here are some for you to learn. If you want to write to me and tell me about different words that you use at home, go to my letter page.
|
Australian Words and Phrases
| Ankle biter | Small Child |
| Arvo | Afternoon, "I'll be there this arvo." |
| Agro | Aggrivated, angry |
| Away with the pixies | Daydreaming |
| Aussie (pronounced Ozzie) | Australian |
| Back of beyond | Way away from civilisation |
| Barrack | Root for, cheer, "I barrack for the Magpies." |
| Bathers | Swim trunks |
| Billabong | Watering hole |
| Billy | A metal can to boil tea over a fire |
| Biscuits | Cookies |
| Bitumen | Asphalt road |
| Bloke | Man |
| Blowies | Blow flies |
| Bum |
The part of you that sits on a chair, your bottom. |
| Bush | Land outside the city |
| Bush telegraph | The town gossip |
| Car park | Parking lot |
| Chips | French fries |
| Chook | Chicken |
| Chrissie | Christmas |
| Cockie | Farmer |
| Cocky | Cockatoo |
| Cuppa | Cup of tea or coffee |
| Dag | Amusingly uncoordinated, "he's such a dag" |
| Daks | Underpants |
| Dinki-di | Something good from Australia |
| Dilly bag | Small food bag or carry bag |
| Digger | Australian soldier |
| Didgeridoo | Aboriginal wind instrument |
| Dob (in) | Snitch (most Australians won't) |
| Engaged (phone) | busy, "the phone is engaged." |
| Fair dinkum | Someone or something genuine |
| Fairy Floss | Cotton candy |
| Footy | Australian Rules Football |
| Fred Nerk |
Someone imaginary, "I suppose Fred Nerk did it?" |
| G'day | Australian for hello |
| Good on ya | Good job, good for you |
| Great Australian wave | Swatting flies away from your face |
| Grog | Alcohol |
| Give way (traffic sign) | Yield |
| Happy as Larry | Very happy |
| Icy pole | Popsicle |
| jelly | jell-o |
| Joe Bloggs | Mr average citizen, John Doe |
| Journo | Journalist |
| Jumper | Sweater |
| Kit | A pack with your belongings |
| Lollies | Candy |
| Lift | Elevator |
| Mackers | McDonald's |
| Mate | Friend |
| Matilda | Sleeping bag or roll |
| Milk bar | Convenience store |
| Mozzie | Mosquito |
| Mum and dad | Mother and father |
| Nappy | Diaper |
| No worries | No problem at all |
| Nong | Idiot, "you nong!" |
| Ooroo | Goodbye |
| Oy! | Hey! |
| Oz | Australia |
| Panel beater | Auto body shop |
| Petrol | Gasoline |
| Prezzies | Presents |
| Push bike | Bicycle |
| Rellies | Relatives |
| Rubber | Pencil eraser |
| Sacked | Fired from your job |
| Scones (short O) | Biscuits |
| My shout | I'll pay this time |
| Singlet | Undershirt or tank top |
| Stickybeak | Nosy person |
| Snag | Sausage |
| Shonky | A questionable deal |
| Swag | Canvas bag for your belongings |
| Ta | Thanks |
| Tea | Dinner |
| Tucker | Food |
| Tuckshop | School cafeteria or snack shop |
| Ute | Utility vehicle, pickup truck |
| Whinge |
Complain all the time, "what's he whinging about now?" |
| Woop Woop | A long way from civilisation |
| Yobbo | Redneck |
| You Right? | May I help you? Do you need anything? |