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

Australia Travel Basics

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


A Guide To Queensland

Queensland, the second largest state in Australia and the third most populous, was easily my favorite part of this country. It's blessed…


Sydney Top Attractions

It's hard to believe that my time in Australia is over, I guess all good things must come to an end. I wanted to wrap up my travels in the…


Guide To The Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains is one of the most popular day trips from Sydney. It's made up of 7 separate national parks, covering 10,000 square kms…


Sailing WhitSunday With Captain And Tennille

This is a mistake ... a terrible terrible mistake. I'd just checked into my hostel in Airlie Beach and was shocked to find a bar blaring…


A Guide To Melbourne’s Lanes, Art Alleys and Arcades

Melbourne, Sydney's artistic sister, is famous for its lanes, alleyways, arcades and cafe society. Walking through its hipster streets is…


Australia Itinerary

One of the goals of my of destinations section is to always have a two week itinerary for the country that I am reviewing. Doing it for…


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…


What To Expect On A Liveaboard In The Great Barrier Reef

Diving in the Great Barrier Reef has always been on my bucket list. It was an incredible experience that totally lived up to my…


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…


10 Things About Australia

Australia is easily one of the most fascinating places I've visited. I spent three months traveling through it and I feel like I've only…


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…


Privacy Preference Center