Ahoy! Heading down under for a visit or a holiday? Nailing the local lingo can make your social experience in Australia all the more enjoyable and authentic. Whether you’re chatting with a barista, hanging out with mates, or navigating the great outdoors, here are 50 essential Australian slang phrases to get you started.
1. G’day
Meaning “hello” or “good day,” “g’day” is the quintessential Australian greeting. It’s casual, friendly, and a great way to start a conversation.
2. Mate
“Aussie” for “friend,” “mate” is a term of endearment and camaraderie. You’ll hear it often in Australia, both in person and in movies.
3. Fair dinkum
Used to emphasize sincerity or authenticity, “fair dinkum” translates to “honest” or “genuine.”
4. No worries
When someone offers help or expresses concern, a friendly “no worries” is the perfect response. It means “it’s okay” or “no problem.”
5. Crikey
An exclamation of surprise or disbelief, “Crikey” is akin to “Wow” or “My goodness.”
6. Dunny
The Australian word for “toilet,” “dunny” is pronounced “don-ee.”
7. Arvo
Short for “afternoon,” “arvo” is a common way to refer to the afternoon hours.
8. Barbie
An Australian barbecue, “barbie” is a staple of Australian social life. It’s pronounced “bar-bee.”
9. RSL
Referring to the Returned and Services League, RSLs are venues where Aussies gather for a drink and a chat. They’re similar to American VFW halls.
10. Toff
A term for an uppity or snobbish person, “toff” is pronounced “toff.”
11. Lolly
The Australian word for “candy,” “lolly” is pronounced “lolly.”
12. Footy
Short for “Australian football,” “footy” is a national obsession.
13. Pissed off
Meaning “angry” or “frustrated,” “pissed off” is a common way to express annoyance.
14. Righto
Used to confirm understanding or agreement, “righto” is pronounced “right-oh.”
15. She’ll be right
Meaning “it’ll be okay” or “no worries,” “she’ll be right” is a comforting phrase.
16. Goanna
A type of Australian lizard, “goanna” is also used as a slang term for a person who’s tough or resilient.
17. Dinkum
A synonym for “genuine” or “honest,” “dinkum” is pronounced “din-kum.”
18. Wog
An offensive term for a non-Australian, “wog” is widely considered inappropriate and is best avoided.
19. Pissed
Another way to say “angry,” “pissed” is pronounced “piss.”
20. Rats
Referring to a group of people, “rats” is a slang term that’s often used in a derogatory manner.
21. Brolly
Short for “umbrella,” “brolly” is pronounced “bro-lee.”
22. Matey
A friendly term for a male friend, “matey” is pronounced “muh-tee.”
23. Chick
A slang term for a female person, “chick” is pronounced “chick.”
24. Dabba
An Australian term for a container or box, “dabba” is pronounced “dah-bah.”
25. Grog
An Australian slang term for alcohol, “grog” is pronounced “groh-guh.”
26. Togs
Short for “swimwear,” “togs” is pronounced “tohgs.”
27. Dunny
As mentioned earlier, “dunny” is the Australian word for “toilet.”
28. Mateship
The spirit of camaraderie and friendship that defines Australian culture, “mateship” is a cherished value.
29. Toodle-oo
A friendly farewell, “toodle-oo” is pronounced “toodle-oo.”
30. Fair go
Meaning “a fair chance” or “a fair shake,” “fair go” is a principle that’s deeply ingrained in Australian culture.
31. Dinkum
A synonym for “genuine” or “honest,” “dinkum” is pronounced “din-kum.”
32. Wog
As mentioned earlier, “wog” is an offensive term for a non-Australian and is widely considered inappropriate.
33. Pissed
Another way to say “angry,” “pissed” is pronounced “piss.”
34. Rats
Referring to a group of people, “rats” is a slang term that’s often used in a derogatory manner.
35. Brolly
Short for “umbrella,” “brolly” is pronounced “bro-lee.”
36. Matey
A friendly term for a male friend, “matey” is pronounced “muh-tee.”
37. Chick
A slang term for a female person, “chick” is pronounced “chick.”
38. Dabba
An Australian term for a container or box, “dabba” is pronounced “dah-bah.”
39. Grog
An Australian slang term for alcohol, “grog” is pronounced “groh-guh.”
40. Togs
Short for “swimwear,” “togs” is pronounced “tohgs.”
41. Dunny
As mentioned earlier, “dunny” is the Australian word for “toilet.”
42. Mateship
The spirit of camaraderie and friendship that defines Australian culture, “mateship” is a cherished value.
43. Toodle-oo
A friendly farewell, “toodle-oo” is pronounced “toodle-oo.”
44. Fair go
Meaning “a fair chance” or “a fair shake,” “fair go” is a principle that’s deeply ingrained in Australian culture.
45. Dinkum
A synonym for “genuine” or “honest,” “dinkum” is pronounced “din-kum.”
46. Wog
As mentioned earlier, “wog” is an offensive term for a non-Australian and is widely considered inappropriate.
47. Pissed
Another way to say “angry,” “pissed” is pronounced “piss.”
48. Rats
Referring to a group of people, “rats” is a slang term that’s often used in a derogatory manner.
49. Brolly
Short for “umbrella,” “brolly” is pronounced “bro-lee.”
50. Matey
A friendly term for a male friend, “matey” is pronounced “muh-tee.”
Remember, while these slang phrases are a great way to connect with locals, always be mindful of cultural nuances and the appropriateness of the language you use. Happy travels, and enjoy your time in Australia!