Crash Course In Aussie Lingo

Known as “Aussie Strine”, Australian slang is almost a language unto itself. It’s a colorful and descriptive way of speaking that I definitely enjoyed listening to and trying to unravel. So before you board the plane, here are some of my favorites that’ll (hopefully) help you beef up on your Aussie lingo.

The Basics

Aerial Ping Pong: Australian Rules Football

Arvo: Afternoon, referring to anytime after 12:00

Brolly: Umbrella

Bucks: Bachelor party

Budgy Smuggler: Speedos

Defo: Short for definitely

Dunnies: Bathroom

Hens: A bachelorette party

Hooroo: goodbye

Fair dinkum: Something that’s true or genuine

Mozzies: Mosquitoes

Pash: Passionate kiss

Pash and dash: Making out with someone with no future intent

Poo man: Plumber

Poo tickets: Toilet paper

Swimmers: Bathing Suits

Ta: Thank you

Thongs: Flip flops

Whinge: Complain

Bar or Alcohol Related

Bottle-o: A liquor store

Crack A Tinnie: Open a can of beer

Cleanskin: An unlabeled bottle of wine

Liquid Laugh: Vomiting

On The Piss: Drinking alcohol

Pissed: Drunk

Plonk: Cheap wine

Pokies: Poker machines

Schooner: Large glass of beer

Shout: Someone’s turn to buy a round of drinks

Tinny: A can of beer

 

When They’re Making Fun Of You

Bogan: Redneck, someone who is uncultured

Dag: Someone who doesn’t dress well or has unrefined manners

Drongo: Foolish person

Grommet: Someone new to surfing

Shark biscuit: Amateur surfer

Wanker: A ridiculous person

Words That Sound Like What They Describe

Boardies: Boardshorts

Brekkie: Breakfast

Chewie: Chewing gum

Chemist: Pharmacy

Exy: Expensive

Prezzy: Present

Rellio/Relo: Relative

Scratchies: Scratch lottery tickets

Sickie: Calling in sick to work

Sunnies: Sunglasses

Tracky: Tracksuit

Ute: Utility vehicle

Food

Barbie: Barbeque

Milkbar: Cornershop that sells takeaway food

Snag: Sausage

Tea: Supper

Tucker: Food

Sanger: Sandwich

Maccas: McDonalds

Hungry Jacks: Burger King

Ready To Book Your Trip To Australia?

Use Skyscanner to search thousands of flights for the best deals.

Agoda is a great site to find discounted rooms around the world.

Viator has biggest selection of excursions from group tours to day activities.

Australia Travel Videos

Recommended Travel Gear



Related Posts

A Guide To Magnetic Island

Located in the North of Queensland, a short ferry ride from Townsville, is Magnetic Island. It was named by Captain James Cook in 1770. As…


Everything You Need To Know About Myki

Melbourne has a wonderful public transportation system. To get around the city (and surrounding suburbs) there's really no need to rent a…


Why You Must Visit St. Kilda

St. Kilda isn't an area that's necessarily on people's must visit list when in Melbourne, which is a shame. This is a beautiful…


A Guide To Byron Bay

Byron Bay is renowned in Australia for being a hippie/liberal community that loves alternative culture and celebrates uniqueness and…


Australia Travel Basics

Below is a primer on Australia covering Visa Requirements, Accommodation, Food and Transportation.


A Guide To WhitSunday

The WhitSunday Islands is a premiere destination in Queensland. It offers stunning islands and some of the best sailing experiences in the…


24 Hours In Sydney

So you've finally made it to Sydney and you only have a day to see the town. First question I have is .... how's that possible? You don't…


Guide For Places To Work For Digital Nomads

Melbourne and Australia (in general) are not places I'd consider friendly to penny pinching digital nomads. The cost of living here is…


Walking Tour Of Sydney

My favorite way to explore a new place is by walking. It's the best way to appreciate the local architecture, discover small hidden shops…


Learning To Surf In Queensland

Queensland is blessed with a gorgeous coast that's lined with incredible beaches offering excellent surfing conditions for people of all…


24 Hours In Melbourne

24 hours is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of what Melbourne has to offer. This is a city that's brimming with great options for…