Essential Australian Slang Terms for Aspiring Students
Embarking on an educational journey in Australia? It's time to familiarize yourself with some quintessential Aussie slang! Australians are renowned for their relaxed and informal way of speaking, which is considered a core part of their cultural identity.
Historically, Australian slang has deep roots, tracing back to the early English settlements in the nation, as highlighted by linguists from Monash University.
Before you pack your bags for Australia, here are 12 commonly used Australian slang terms to get you started:
Arvo: This term means afternoon. First noted in 1920, Australians often add "-o" to shortened words. For example, "ambo" for an ambulance driver and "rello" for a relative.
Usage Example 1: Let's catch up on Sunday arvo.
Usage Example 2: "Can we meet up later this arvo? I'm free after 3 PM."
Usage Example 3: "I have a dentist appointment this arvo, so I can't join the lunch
Barbie: Short for barbecue. Australians frequently add "-ie" to abbreviations. The term "selfie," originated in Australia in 2002, is another example.
Usage Example 1: Join us for a barbie this weekend!
Usage Example 2: "It's such beautiful weather today. Let's have a barbie in the backyard!"
Usage Example 3: "I'm bringing sausages and steaks for the barbie at Dave's place tonight."
Chucking a Sickie: This phrase means taking a day off from work, pretending to be sick. A 2018 study revealed that nearly half of Australians have done this.
Usage Example 1: I might chuck a sickie next Monday for some family time.
Usage Example 2: "John isn't really ill; he's just chucking a sickie to extend his weekend."
Usage Example 3: "I'm so burnt out. I'm thinking of chucking a sickie tomorrow."
Give Someone a Bell: Simply means to call someone. This phrase is also common in the U.K.
Usage Example 1: I'll give you a bell after my lecture.
Usage Example 2: "I haven't heard from Laura in ages. I should give her a bell tonight."
Usage Example 3: "If you get lost on the way, just give me a bell, and I'll guide you."
Hard Yakka: Means hard work. "Yakka" comes from the Yagara Indigenous language, meaning work.
Usage Example 1: Preparing for my final exams was hard yakka.
Usage Example 2: "Landscaping the garden was hard yakka, but the results are worth it."
Usage Example 3: "Studying for law exams is hard yakka, but I'm hoping it'll pay off."
Macca’s: The Australian nickname for McDonald's. The term is so popular that McDonald's stores in Australia were renamed Macca’s in 2013 for Australia Day.
Usage Example 1: I'm craving a burger from Macca’s.
Usage Example 2: "I'm starving. Let's grab a quick bite at Macca’s."
Usage Example 3: "The kids always want Happy Meals from Macca’s on weekends."
Mate: A widely used term for a friend. It's a versatile word, often used in different contexts.
Usage Example 1: Hey mate, how's it going?
Usage Example 2: "G’day mate, fancy a game of cricket this afternoon?"
Usage Example 3: "I ran into an old mate from school at the supermarket today."
No Worries: A phrase to indicate that something is not a problem or to say "you're welcome."
Usage Example 1: "Thanks for covering my shift!" – "No worries, happy to help."
Usage Example 2: "You accidentally spilled your drink? No worries, I'll clean it up."
Usage Example 3: "Thanks for returning the book. No worries, I wasn't in a hurry."
She’ll be Right: An expression of optimism, meaning everything will work out fine.
Usage Example 1: Concerned about your university application? Just work hard, she’ll be right.
Usage Example 2: "I'm not sure if I packed everything for the trip, but she’ll be right."
Usage Example 3: "The car's making a strange noise, but she’ll be right until we get to the mechanic."
Uey: Pronounced "You E," it refers to a U-turn.
Usage Example 1: We need to go back, chuck a uey up ahead
Usage Example 2: "We missed our turn; we'll have to chuck a uey here."
Usage Example 3: "Just up ahead, chuck a uey at the traffic lights."
Uni: Short for university, commonly used in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K.
Usage Example 1: My uni friend just had a baby!
Usage Example 2: "I've got a couple of lectures at uni this afternoon."
Usage Example 3: "She's studying biology at uni and really enjoying it."
Veggo: Refers to a vegetarian. With a growing number of vegetarians in Australia, finding vegetarian options is easy.
Usage Example 1: My brother, a veggo, makes great veggie burgers.
Usage Example 2: "My sister's a veggo, so we need some vegetarian options for the party."
Usage Example 3: "I've been a veggo for five years now and feel healthier than ever."
Understanding these slang terms not only eases your cultural transition but also enriches your Australian educational experience. So, start practicing these phrases, and you'll blend in like a local in no time!
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