Aussie Slang by Megan Byrd by Court on October 20, 2005

Guest post by BootsnAll intern Megan Byrd:

So you’ve always wanted to speak like an Australian? Or at least, you’ve always wanted to know what they mean when they’re spouting off words like “dunny” or “brekkie”?

Even if you’re a native English speaker, but not a native of Australia, translation won’t be picture perfect and there are a few words and phrases that’ll come in handy so you don’t go around sticking your foot in your mouth.

Here’s your very own mini-Aussie dictionary to give you the basics of what they say and what they mean, so you can, however briefly, feel like a local.

• Good onya: Commonly used in terms of congratulations, good onya is the Aussie way of saying good job, well done, bravo! This phrase is pretty common throughout all of the OZ and my personal favorite.
• How ya goin?: Sounds familiar? Probably so. It’s pretty similar to the American version of ‘How’s it going?’ but you replace the ‘it’ with a ‘ya.’ Very common. You’ll be saying this in no time.
• Heaps/Stacks: Though we have these words in other English speaking countries, they aren’t used nearly as much as they are in Australia. Anytime there’s a lot of something or a lot to do, there are heaps of it. IE- I have heaps of work tonight. I’ve got stacks of books to read, etc.
• Stuffed: A euphemism for the “F” word, you say you’re stuffed whenever a situation is looking pretty grim. For instance, if you’re in the middle of the outback and you run out of gas, you’re most definitely, severely stuffed.
• Hard Up: Anytime you’re lacking something or don’t have enough of something, you’re hard up on it. For example, most students are always hard up on cash.
• Jug: If you want a pitcher of beer, ask for a jug. Most bartenders don’t understand the word “pitcher” and you’ll end up getting a glass instead of a jug. So make sure to specify.
• Tallie: The Australian version of a 40 oz beer
• Stubby: A small glass or bottle of beer
• Tucker: Food. Typically used in association with bush food
• Footy: Short for Australian rugby
• Bloke: Your average guy
• Mate: A friend, a guy. Basically you can call anyone mate. The term especially comes in handy when you’ve forgotten someone’s name
• Cheers: A multi-purpose word that seems to be appropriate whenever you use it. Cheers simultaneously means thanks, goodbye, your welcome, hello, and anything else you want it to.
• Dunny: an outside lavatory
• Pissed: Drunk. Not to be confused with ‘pissed off’ which means angry or upset.
• Seppo: The term used to describe Americans. It’s short for septic tank. Quite flattering if I do say so myself.
• Swag: A rolled up bed. Typically used when camping, swags give more warmth and comfort than just a sleeping bag.
• Uni: University
• Ankle Biter: Young child
• Bangers: Sausages
• Chemist: The Australian version of the pharmacy. If you need any medication, bandages, beauty supplies, etc., you’ll want to go to a chemist
• Bottle Shop: Liquor store
• Right-O: Another way of saying ‘okay’ or ‘sounds good.’ Basically a term of agreement, signifying that you understand
• No Worries: The stereotypical Australian phrase is actually used in everyday life. Instead of saying ‘you’re welcome’, most people say ‘no worries’

While there’s definitely more Australian slang, those are the basics that are used day to day and will definitely help you get by.

It’s also important to note that Australians have a funny habit of shortening all the words they can. Board shorts become boardies. Sunglasses become sunnies. Brisbane becomes Brissie. Breakfast becomes brekkie. Barbecue becomes barbie, and so on.

Australian slang isn’t complicated, but when in doubt, abbreviate. At least that or smile and say “Cheers Mate!” Either way, you can’t go wrong.