I never knew the amount of unique Australian phrases I used on a daily basis until I moved overseas. Words and phrases that were common in my every day life suddenly became questioned by expats from other nations. Being asked to repeat myself became a common thing, and being constantly questioned about my choice of words became annoying.
Although this is by no mean an exhaustive list of Aussie words and phrases, it's a good starting spot. There's no way I could list every single Australian slang, as there's simply too many!
For this list, I've chosen some words and phrases that I commonly use or hear, and some that I may not use a lot, but definitely hear a lot. You can find the words at the top of the post, and phrases towards the bottom.
Why not save this page for your trip "Down Under," and refer back to it when needed? Anyone needing internet access while travelling can sign up for an eSIM through airalo. I love using eSIMs when travelling, and highly recommend buying one before leaving home.
Popular Australian Slang Words
G'day
Meaning: This is the quintessential Australian greeting, short for "Good day." It’s often used informally and with a friendly tone, especially in rural areas.
Usage: It’s a versatile word that can be used with friends, strangers, and even in professional settings (though less common in very formal situations).
Example: “G'day! How’s it going?” Which would translate to "Hi!, How's it going?"
Mate
Meaning: "Mate" is a term for friend, commonly used in Australia regardless of the depth of the relationship. It can be used to greet someone, show camaraderie, or even soften a complaint.
Fun Fact: Even in an argument, Australians might call someone “mate” to emphasize frustration. Although in this context, the word "mate" would not be considered friendly.
Example: “Listen here, mate.” Which would be similar to saying "Listen here, man".
Another (more friendly example) is using it in place of the word "friend," which is the most common usage. “Thanks for the lift, mate. I owe you one.”
Servo
Meaning: Short for service station, which is what Aussies call a gas station. Australians love to abbreviate words, and "servo" is one of the most common examples.
Usage: It’s used in everyday conversation when referring to a place where you fill up your car with fuel or grab snacks, drinks, and other essentials on or for the road.
Example: “I’ll stop at the servo to fill up and grab a snack before we hit the road.”
Arvo
Meaning: Short for “afternoon,” this is one of many Australian abbreviations that show a preference for casual speech.
Usage: It’s used frequently in everyday conversations, whether casual or semi-professional. Generally not used in formal settings.
Example: “Let’s head to the beach this arvo.”
Chockers (from the phrase chock a block)
Meaning: It means "full to capacity" or "packed." It’s often used to describe crowded places such as bars or concert venues, or anything else that is full.
Example: “We tried going to the bar, but it was chockers, so we went elsewhere.” In this case, the bar was too busy, so the people went to another bar.
Cuppa
Meaning: This refers to a cup of tea (though in some contexts, it can mean coffee as well). Australians have a long-standing love affair with tea thanks to the British, and this phrase is a cozy way to invite someone to sit down and relax.
Usage: Often used in homes, although sometimes also in workplaces for a break or friendly chat.
Example: “Come on in, have a cuppa.”
Strewth
Meaning: An exclamation of surprise or disbelief, similar to “Wow” or “Good grief!” It was made famous on the TV show Home and Away by the character Alf, who often uses the word.
Usage: Can be used anytime to express shock or disbelief.
Example: “Strewth! That’s a massive spider!”
Footy
Meaning: In Australia, “footy” refers to Australian Rules Football (AFL), and is commonly used by all Australians.
Cultural Significance: Footy is more than just a sport—it’s a national pastime. The AFL is the most popular Aussie sport, and people are extremely passionate about their teams. Footy brings communities together, whether at local clubs or major league matches.
Usage: "Footy" is used in conversation about matches, training, or watching the game on TV. The term is used widely by all age groups.
Example: “We’re heading to the pub this arvo to watch the footy—want to join?”
Dunny
Meaning: Slang for toilet. It was commonly used in rural Australia, but even city folk now use it as an informal term.
Usage: You might hear “dunny” in humorous contexts, as Aussies often joke about everyday things. Not to be used in professional or formal settings.
Example: “Where’s the dunny? I need to go!”
Popular Australian Slang Phrases
Down Under
Meaning: "Down Under" is a colloquial term used to refer to Australia (and sometimes New Zealand). It originates from the country’s position in the Southern Hemisphere, "under" many other countries on a traditional world map.
Usage: Commonly used by both locals and people from other countries when talking about Australia.
Cultural Insight: The phrase is recognised globally by many, thanks to the song "Down Under" by the Australian band Men at Work.
Example: “I can't wait to visit Down Under and explore the Great Barrier Reef.”
Fair dinkum
Meaning: This phrase is used to verify the truth or authenticity of something. If someone says something unbelievable, another person might ask, “Fair dinkum?” as a way of asking, “Are you serious?”
History: Its origins are debated, but it likely comes from 19th-century British slang meaning "work" or "true work."
Example: “Fair dinkum? You caught a fish that big?”
No worries
Meaning: A common Australian expression that conveys a relaxed, easygoing attitude. It’s often used in response to someone thanking you, but it can also mean, “Don’t worry about it,” or “It’s no problem.”
Vibe: This phrase encapsulates the laid-back, carefree Australian attitude.
Example: “Thanks for lending me your car.” “No worries, I'm happy to help!”
She'll be right
Meaning: This phrase reflects optimism, meaning “everything will work out” or “it’ll be fine.” Australians use it to reassure themselves or others, and can be used in difficult or simple situations.
Cultural Insight: It reflects the Aussie spirit of resilience and calm in the face of adversity.
Example: “We’ve almost run out of petrol, but she’ll be right—we’ll find a servo soon.”
Aussie battler
Meaning: A term for someone who keeps going despite hardships, or for someone from a working-class background. It’s a label of respect for those who don’t give up easily.
Cultural Significance: This phrase embodies the value Australians place on hard work, perseverance, and resilience.
Example: “She’s been through a lot but never gives up—she’s a real Aussie battler.”
Bloody oath
Meaning: A way of expressing strong agreement, similar to “Absolutely!” or “You bet!” It's a more intense affirmation, with "bloody" adding emphasis. Some people who use the phrase often will shorten it to simply "oath!"
Tone: Can be a bit rough, but commonly used in casual, enthusiastic settings.
Example: “That was a great concert, right?” “Bloody oath it was!”
You beauty!
Meaning: An expression of joy, excitement, or approval, similar to “Awesome!” It’s used when something good happens, especially in moments of celebration or triumph.
Usage: Can often be heard during sporting events, such as the horse races, or even the Olympics by Australian commentators, or spectators.
Tone: It's upbeat and enthusiastic, often accompanied by a fist pump or big smile.
Example: “You beauty! We won the match!”
True blue
Meaning: This refers to someone or something that is real and authentic. The phrase was originally used to refer to someone who was genuinely Australian by character and values. Someone who was true blue would be fair, authentic, and loyal.
Usage: It was originally used to describe people, but is now also used to describe authentic items.
Historical Insight: The phrase was originally British slang, with a similar meaning, although not commonly used anymore in the UK.
Example: “He’s a true blue Aussie—always there for his mates.”
Final Thoughts on Popular Australian Slang Words and Phrases
Aussie slang reflects the culture and character of Australia—relaxed, friendly, and often humorous. From casual greetings like "G'day" to phrases like "She'll be right," these phrases offer a glimpse into the Australian way of life. Whether you’re a visitor trying to blend in with the Aussies, or just curious about the local lingo, knowing these terms will help you navigate conversations in Australia with ease.
Tell us your favourite Australian slang in the comments below!
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This is so fun, I really enjoyed it! I had a couple of Australians in my trek group to Everest Base Camp some time back, and they kept talking about "what they'd do for a Maccas" I was so confused for so long but definitely everything fell in place when I found out what "Maccas" meant! 😂😂
There is some interesting slang used in Australia. I've always loved chockers.