Whilst English is the language spoken in Australia, it is easy for anyone relocating from overseas to get caught out trying to understand the Australian Slang. So we have listed some of the common slang words that Aussies might use.
Ankle Biter = Small child
Aussie = Australian
Barbie = Barbeque
Blow in the bag = Have an alcohol breath test
Brekkie = Breakfast
Beaut / beauty = Great, fantastic
Bloke = Man
Bingle = Minor car accident / fight
Bludger = Lazy person, layabout, somebody who always relies on other people to do things or lend him things
Bogan = Person who takes little pride in his appearance, spends his days slacking and drinking beer
Chrissie = Christmas
Clayton’s = Fake, substitute
Do your block = Get mad
Dag = A funny person, nerd
Dill = An idiot
Earbashing = Nagging, non-stop chatter
Fair dinkum = true, genuine
G’day = Hello
Grog = Liquor, beer (“bring your own grog)
Gobsmacked = Surprised, astounded
I fee stuffed = I’m tired
Kindie = Kindergarten
Larrikin = A bloke who is always enjoying himself, harmless prankster
Mate = Buddy, friend
No drama = Same as ‘no worries’
No worries = Expression of forgiveness or reassurance (No problem; forget about it; I can do it; Yes, I’ll do it)
No-hoper = Somebody who’ll never do well
Offsider =An assistant, helper
Prezzy = Present, gift
Polly = Politician
Postie = Postman
Rego = Vehicle registration
Root: sexual intercourse. This one can get really get foreigners in trouble. Americans coming to Australia and telling people how they love to “root for their team.” If you come to Australia, you would want to use the word “barrack” instead. On the same note, a “wombat” is someone who eats roots and leaves.
You little Ripper = Exclamation of delight or as a reaction to good news
She’ll be Right = It’ll be all right
Shonky = Dubious, underhanded
Slab = Box of beer (usually 24 bottles or cans).
Screamer = Party lover; “two pot screamer” – somebody who gets drunk on very little alcohol
Shag on a rock, stands out like a = Very obvious
Shonky = Dubious, underhanded. E.g. a shonky practice, shonky business etc.
Sprung = Caught doing something wrong
Spunk = A good looking person (of either sex)
Stubby =a 375ml. beer bottle
Sunnies = Sunglasses
I feel Stuffed = I’m tired
Ta = Thank you
Two pot screamer = A person who gets drunk easily
Ute = A utility vehicle
Useless as an ashtray on a motor bike = Incompetent or unhelpful
Wowser = Spoilsport
Whinge = Complain
XXXX = Pronounced Four X, brand of beer made in Queensland