While abroad, I have quickly learned that just because you speak the language does not mean that you will understand it. Having been in Australia for a little over a month now I have started to pick up on a variety of different terms. Here are just a few of the phrases that I have learned up while living down under.
Bloke = Guy
So when you are walking down the street and your friends see a cute guy, they will say “Check out that bloke!”
Bogan = Redneck
Similar to the American Redneck, a Bogan is very Australian and maintains a strong accent that even I have trouble understanding.
Cheers = Thanks
Typically at the end of emails or when you say goodbye to your friend you will catch yourself thinking of that 80s television sitcom set at a bar.
Chook = Chicken
When friends describe the animals they have on their farm, try not to look too confused when they say chooks. I thought for a minute they were trying to say my last name!
Chunder = Vomit
If you are ever feeling sick and your friends ask if you feel like you are going to chunder, this is what they mean.
Cossie = Swimwear
Heading to the beach? Be sure to wear your favorite cossie! And when you say cossie, the “s” is actually pronounced like a “z.”
Daggy = Uncool
When you are wearing an outfit and you need an opinion, your friends will be the first to tell you if it is daggy or not.
Dodgy = Sketchy
Another term used to say that you think the guy at the bar seems a little suspicious.
Far Out = Oh Crap/No Way
The best way to describe this phrase is in relation to the American expression “Oh crap.” It is used as a PG response to something instead of “Oh ****.”
Feral = Wild
Usually used to describe wild animals, for example the possum that came into my friend’s room would be described as feral.
Festy = Gross
Whenever something looks disgusting Aussies will call it festy.
Good on ya = Well done
This phrase is one of the most common I hear on a daily basis. Instead of well done or good job, Aussies like to say “Good on ya.”
How are you going = How are you doing
Be sure not to say “I am heading to class” when your friends ask how are you going, or else you will receive some very strange looks.
Jumper = Sweatshirt
Some English slang is also present in Australia. When the weather turns colder many people will pull out their favorite jumpers.
Jumping Castle = Moon Bounce
When you see one of these childhood outdoor playhouses make sure not to call it a moon bounce or you will surely be laughed at.
Keen = To be excited or interested in something
This word can be used in a variety of ways, but the most common I have heard is in question form, for example “Are you keen to go to Bondi Beach today?”
Lollies = Candies
Whenever you are craving candy and your friends ask if you want lollies, this refers to ALL candy, not just lollipops.
Maccas = McDonalds
Instead of Mickey Ds, Aussies have shortened this beloved fast food restaurants name even further.
Mozzie = Mosquitos
Near the end of the summer the mozzies will eat you alive, watch out for these little buggers.
Muesli = Granola
Granola does not exist in Australia. If you are looking for the crunchy addition to your fruit and yogurt combination, make sure to ask for muesli.
Op Shopping = Thrift shopping
When you are out bargain hunting at local stores that is referred to as op shopping!
Pashes = Kisses
Instead of exchanging kisses, Aussies call them pashes.
Playsuit = Romper
When out shopping this trendy summertime piece is known as a playsuit.
Porridge = Oatmeal
This word took me back to Goldilocks and the three little bears. Many Aussies enjoy porridge first thing in the morning.
Ranger = Ginger
You are probably wondering why a red-headed person is called a Ranger, its short for orangutan. Yes, I was shocked too. And its not pronounced like a park ranger, but rather (RANG-ER).
Schoolies = Senior Week
In Australia when you graduate high school it is common for groups of friends to travel for a week of parties and fun!
Scull = Chug
When you are out on the town and need to finish your drink Aussies yell out “Scull scull scull!”
Sleven = 7/11 store
A favorite late night stop after a night out in the city, Sleven is the number one choice.
Sloppy Joe = Big slouchy sweatshirt
No, this does not mean the American sandwich. This expression refers to huge hoodies that you curl up in when it gets cold out.
Take away = To go / Take out
When you are in a hurry make sure to ask for your food to be take away, instead of to-go.
Thongs = flip flops
This is one of the words that caught me off guard the most when I first got to Sydney, make sure you know that they are referring to your sandals, not your underwear.
Trackies = Sweatpants
When the weather gets cooler at night, Aussies tend to pull on their favorite trackies to keep warm.
These are just a few of the many different Australian terms that I have picked up while abroad. Just goes to show, while it may be the same language, it is a world of difference.