Australian Slang: Your Essential Survival Guide
Bright skies, sandy beaches, exotic animals, and a language all come together in Australia. Whether you’re an Australian native or just visiting and trying to figure out what the barista meant when she said “flat white with the lot, cheers mate,” learning some Australian slang, often known as Aussie jargon, will help you fit in and enjoy the local culture.
The Australian vernacular is full of acronyms and slang, and it’s rich and sassy from Bondi to the bush. You’ll sound like a native Aussie in no time at all with our comprehensive guide to Australian slang.
1. Arvo – Afternoon
Let’s kick things off with a classic. “Arvo” is short for afternoon.
“Let’s catch up this arvo for a coffee.”
Just don’t mix it up with “avo” (avocado), or you might end up with a smashed brunch when you were expecting a chat.
2. Mate – Friend (or Foe, Depending on the Tone)
One of the most iconic pieces of Aussie lingo. “Mate” is as versatile as Vegemite. It can mean “friend,” “dude,” or even “you absolute muppet” depending on the context and tone.
“G’day mate, how ya going?”
“Listen here, mate…” (Warning: you’re probably in trouble)
3. No Worries – It’s All Good
This phrase is basically the national motto.
“Thanks for helping out!”
“No worries, mate!”
It can mean “you’re welcome,” “don’t stress,” or “everything’s fine.” A true cornerstone of Australian chill.
4. Fair Dinkum – Genuine or Honest
If someone or something is “fair dinkum,” it’s the real deal.
“He’s a fair dinkum bloke.”
“Is that fair dinkum?”
5. Thongs – Flip Flops
No, not those thongs. In Aussie lingo, thongs are rubber footwear, essential for beach trips and summer barbies.
“Don’t forget your thongs—we’re headed to Bondi!”
6. Barbie – Barbecue
If there’s one thing Aussies love, it’s a good barbie. Whether you’re grilling snags (sausages) or tossing prawns (never really “shrimp”), it’s a social essential.
“We’re having a barbie this weekend, bring your own beers.”
7. Servo – Service Station
Need to fuel up or grab a cheeky meat pie at 2am? Head to the local servo.
“Swing by the servo, I need a Red Bull.”
8. Bottle-o – Liquor Store
This is where you get your booze. End of story.
“Quick trip to the bottle-o before the footy starts?”
9. Macca’s – McDonald’s
Yes, even global fast food giants get the Aussie abbreviation treatment.
“Let’s hit Macca’s for a cheeky feed.”
10. Bogan – Rough Around the Edges
A “bogan” is the Aussie version of a redneck—but with a Southern Cross tattoo and a VB in hand. It can be used both affectionately and pejoratively.
“That mullet is peak bogan style.”
11. Chockers – Full
Whether it’s traffic or your belly, if it’s packed, it’s chockers.
“Mate, the train was absolutely chockers this morning.”
12. Straya – Australia (Spoken Slang)
This is how Australia sounds when said with a thick accent—and it’s often used in memes or banter.
“Straya, mate! Home of the kangaroo and the sick Ute.”
13. Bloke – Man
Just your everyday guy.
“He’s a good bloke—helped me move house last weekend.”
14. Sheila – Woman
Less commonly used nowadays, and sometimes considered outdated, but still very much part of Aussie slang history.
“There were a couple of sheilas at the pub.”
15. Ripper – Great!
Anything excellent can be a ripper.
“That surf this morning was a ripper!”
Bonus: “You little ripper!” = “You beauty!” = Massive enthusiasm.
16. Strewth – Crikey!
An old-school expression of surprise.
“Strewth, that’s a big spider!”
17. Larrikin – Lovable Troublemaker
A larrikin is someone cheeky, rebellious, and funny—kind of like the spirit animal of Aussie culture.
“He’s a larrikin, always up for a laugh.”
18. Drongo – Fool
It’s not the worst insult, but definitely not flattering.
“You parked in the wrong spot, ya drongo.”
19. Yarn – Chat or Story
To have a yarn is to have a conversation, usually a relaxed or funny one.
“Pulled up a stool and had a yarn with the old man.”
20. Cactus – Broken or Dead
This doesn’t refer to desert plants—if something is cactus, it’s beyond repair.
“My phone’s cactus. Won’t even turn on.”
21. Chuck a U-ey – Make a U-turn
Driving lingo you’ll hear often.
“Missed the turn. Chuck a U-ey up ahead.”
22. Deadset – Seriously
Used to express seriousness, disbelief, or confirmation.
“Deadset? That’s unbelievable.”
23. Esky – Cooler Box
A staple for every Aussie picnic and camping trip.
“Fill the esky with beers before we hit the beach.”
24. Trackies – Track Pants
Your ultimate comfort wear.
“Chucked on me trackies and binge-watched telly all day.”
25. Snag – Sausage
Especially relevant at the barbie.
“Grab a snag and some bread, mate.”
26. Loo / Dunny – Toilet
Simple, straightforward, and used every day.
“Where’s the dunny?”
“Need to hit the loo before we go.”
27. Taking the Piss – Mocking or Joking
If someone’s teasing, they’re taking the piss.
“Relax, mate, I’m just taking the piss.”
28. Bloody – Intensifier
The ultimate Aussie verbal seasoning. Can be used to express frustration, emphasis, or enthusiasm.
“It’s bloody hot today!”
“He’s a bloody legend.”
29. Mozzie – Mosquito
We don’t mess around with long words. It’s mozzie season? Stay indoors.
“The mozzies are out in full force tonight.”
30. Grog – Alcohol
Whether it’s beer, wine, or spirits, it’s all grog.
“Bring some grog to the party.”
Why Aussie Lingo Matters
Aussie slang isn’t just fun—it’s a reflection of the country’s laid-back, friendly, and irreverent culture. It’s shaped by a history of convicts, bushrangers, surfers, and immigrants. And it’s constantly evolving.
Using Australian slang helps you connect, whether you’re ordering at a local café, chatting at a pub, or yelling at the telly during a cricket match. Even more, understanding Aussie lingo gives you insider access to the humour, irony, and rhythm of Australian life.
Tips for Using Aussie Slang Like a Local
- Start Small – Drop in a “no worries” or “arvo” before attempting the more complex phrases.
- Mind the Tone – Words like “mate” and “drongo” can sound friendly or hostile depending on your delivery.
- Listen and Learn – Pay attention to how locals use slang. It’s often less about the word and more about the vibe.
- Don’t Overdo It – You don’t need to sound like Crocodile Dundee. A few well-placed terms go a long way.
- Embrace the Banter – Aussie conversation thrives on self-deprecation and humour. If you can give it, be ready to take it.
Final Word: Own Your Inner Aussie
Whether you’re an expat, a traveller, or just want to spice up your vocab, learning Australian slang isn’t just practical—it’s part of the cultural experience. So chuck on your sunnies, grab a snag, and join the yarn. You’ll be talking like a local in no time.
Too easy, mate.
