Aussie slang 101: a beginner’s guide to talking like a local

Australia is an interesting country. Australia might be an English-speaking country, but don’t be fooled – if you don’t know your “arvos” from your “barbies,” you could find yourself in some awkward situations. Aussies love to shorten words (it’s pretty much their national pastime), so get ready to pick up some new lingo that’ll help you blend right in. Here’s a list of must-know Aussie slang to get you speaking like a local!

Arvo

In Australia, you’ll still hear classic slang like “g’day mate” or “crikey,” but the real challenge for newcomers is how Aussies love shortening words. They often chop off the first syllable and add an ‘o’ or ‘ie’. For example, “breakfast” becomes “brekkie,” “barbeque” turns to “barbie,” “university” becomes “uni,” “garbage collectors” are “garbos,” and “politicians” are “pollies.” Forget “afternoon” – Aussies keep it simple with “arvo.” Whether you’re meeting up with friends or grabbing a world-famous Australian coffee, this is your go-to greeting for the later part of the day.

Barbie

One of the most iconic Aussie traditions, and a firm placeholder on our most iconic Australian foods list, the ‘barbie’ is an outdoor cook-up on a barbecue, and it’s usually more about the beers than the sausages. There’s only one answer to the question “We’re having a barbie this weekend, want to come?” – and that’s yes. 

Brekkie

Australia’s café culture is second to none, and that’s largely thanks to our obsession with brekkie – our shortened word for breakfast. Whether it’s a classic smashed avo on sourdough, a big fry-up, or a flaky meat pie for the road, Aussies take their mornings seriously. Hop on a Contiki trip, and you’ll hear “Let’s grab some brekkie” more times than you can count—it’s not just about fuelling up, it’s about savouring ultra-fresh, award-winning bites, always paired with a bloody good coffee.

Togs

Call them swimsuits, bathers, or swimmers – but in Australia, they’re togs. Throw them on, hit the sand, and soak up the sun on some of the world’s most stunning beaches. This sunburnt country is made for ocean lovers, and with Contiki, you’ll be swimming in the most breathtaking spots without a worry in the world. Find all this and more in our Aussie Beaches and Reefs trip!

Dunny

If you’re ever in Australia and need to find the nearest toilet, don’t ask for the bathroom – ask for the ‘dunny.’ This classic Aussie slang is used to refer to the toilet, and you’ll hear it everywhere from the backyard to the outback. Whether you’re at a beachside pub, a local café, or even in the middle of nowhere, a quick ‘Where’s the dunny?’ will get you the answer you need. So, next time you’re on Aussie turf and in a bit of a hurry, ditch the fancy terms and go straight for the dunny. It’s the local way to get down to business!

Fair Dinkum

In Australia, when something is described as ‘fair dinkum,’ you know it’s the real deal. It’s one of the most iconic phrases used to ask if something is legit or genuine. Whether you’re asking about a story, a product, or a situation, ‘Is that fair dinkum, mate?’ will let you know if it’s the truth or just a bit of Aussie exaggeration. It’s all about authenticity – so next time you hear it, you’ll know they’re asking if it’s the genuine article!

G’day

Nothing screams Aussie more than a big, cheerful “G’day!” Short for good day, this iconic greeting is as laid-back as the locals themselves. Whether you’re meeting someone new or catching up with a mate, a simple G’day instantly sets the tone. 

Bloody

In Aussie lingo, ‘bloody’ is the ultimate way to emphasise a point, adding a bit of extra oomph to whatever you’re saying. Whether you’re describing something that’s really good, really bad, or just really anything, tossing in a ‘bloody’ makes it sound more intense. Think of it as the Aussie version of saying ‘very’ but with a whole lot more character. 

Beauty

When something’s top-notch, bang-on, or just downright brilliant, Aussies don’t just say awesome – they belt out a big “Beauty!” Whether it’s a cracking goal at the footy, a perfect wave, or snagging a ripper deal, this classic exclamation is pure Aussie enthusiasm. And when things are next level? You’ll hear the legendary “You bloody beauty!” echoing loud and proud.

Maccas

When hunger hits, Aussies don’t mess around – they head straight to Maccas. That’s right, even McDonald’s gets the classic Aussie slang treatment. Whether it’s a late-night feed, a road trip pit stop, or just a craving for a cheeky cheeseburger, a “Maccas run” is practically a national tradition. You can check out more uniquely Australian experiences here.

Mate

Down under, mateship is everything. Drop “mate” into conversation, and you’ll sound like a true local. This one little word can be a greeting, a term of endearment, or even a way to diffuse a tense moment. It’s not just slang—it’s part of Aussie culture, turning strangers into mates and mates into family.

Servo

Hitting the road in Australia? A stop at the servo is a must. This classic Aussie term for a service station covers everything from filling up the tank to grabbing snacks, cold drinks, and a quick coffee to keep you going. No road trip feels complete without a servo stop – it’s where last-minute supplies, potentially dodgy meat pies, and legendary road trip stories begin.

Ripper

When something is next-level amazing, Aussies call it a ripper. A wild night out, a game-winning goal, or a meal that leaves you speechless—it all deserves this top-tier compliment. If it’s seriously good, it’s a ripper, no questions asked. Looking for a ripper of a trip? Check out the Ultimate Australia trip.

She’ll be right

When things go sideways, Aussies have the perfect phrase to put your mind at ease: ‘She’ll be right.’ No one really knows where the ‘she’ came from or who that may be, but when you’re in a bind you’re normally too stressed to care. Whether things aren’t going according to plan or you’re feeling a bit uncertain, hearing ‘she’ll be right’ is like a verbal hug, letting you know that everything will work out in the end. If you’re hitting the road solo, don’t stress – ‘She’ll be right!’ Read our tips on solo travel in Australia for a smooth trip.

Coppers

If you’re planning a trip Down Under, one thing you’ll definitely want to avoid is any run-ins with the “coppers” – that’s Aussie slang for policemen. Whether you’re lost in the city or simply enjoying the sights, getting into trouble with the law is something you’ll want to steer clear of. After all, being arrested in a foreign country? Not exactly the Eat Pray Love vibe you’re going for. Stay on the right side of the law, and you’ll have a much smoother time enjoying everything Australia has to offer!

Snag

No Aussie barbie is complete without a few sizzling snags. To the humble traveller, they’re just sausages, but in Australia, they’re so much more. A snag, fresh off the grill, wrapped in a slice of white bread with a dollop of sauce, is an unspoken national treasure. From backyard BBQs to fundraisers at Bunnings, this simple feed has fed generations and sparked countless yarns.

Stubby

This one’s an important one – you must stay hydrated in the Aussie heat, and there’s no better way to do this than with an icy cold beer. This short, stocky beer bottle is a BBQ, beach or bush must-have, whether you’re kicking back with mates or cooling off by the water. Just don’t forget your stubby holder – warm beer is a crime. 

Thongs

No, not those thongs – down under, we’re talking about the classic rubber flip-flops! A true Aussie wardrobe essential, thongs are perfect for beach trips, clocking miles in the city, and just about any casual outing. Whether you’re strolling along the sand or making a quick servo run, a good pair of thongs will never let you down… unless they break mid-step (RIP to all the fallen pairs).

Tinny

In Australia, a tinny can mean two things: a cold can of beer or a small aluminium boat. Either way, it’s a staple of Aussie life. Cracking open a tinny with mates or just cruising the water in one: both are best enjoyed under the sun with a good dose of relaxation. Bonus points if you’re doing both at the same time (responsibly, of course).

Tucker

In Australia, tucker simply means food – whether it’s a classic pub feed, a homemade meat pie, or a hearty campfire cook-up. But if you’re talking bush tucker, that’s the traditional food of First Nations Australians, like witchetty grubs, bush tomatoes, and kangaroo. Keen for some top-notch tucker? Check out our list of iconic Aussie foods!

Ute

The ute is an Aussie icon – equal parts workhorse and weekend warrior. Whether it’s hauling tools on the job site, packing up for a camping trip, or loading up the surfboards for a beach run, a ute is built to handle it all. Planning a proper road trip? Check out our Aussie trips for the ultimate adventure.

Woop woop

If someone says they’re heading to Woop Woop, they mean way out in the sticks—so remote, even Google Maps might struggle to find it. Whether it’s a tiny outback town or just the middle of the bush, Woop Woop is where adventure (and a lot of dust) begins. Keen to explore the real Aussie outback? Check out the Outback Adventure trip and start planning your next escape!

Bloke

Aussies use “bloke” to refer to any man or guy – whether he’s your mate, your neighbour, or some random fella at the pub. It’s the go-to word for any man, from the local footy coach to the guy fixing your ute. And if he’s a good bloke, you know he’s someone you can count on.

Brolly

Depending on where you are, Aussie skies can turn on you in an instant, and when they do, a brolly is your best mate. One minute, you’re basking in the sun; the next, you’re sprinting for cover. A solid brolly saves you from looking like a drowned rat—unless a gust of wind turns it inside out, in which case, good luck mate.

Cark it

When something carks it, it’s officially done for – no hope, no fix, just dead in the water. Could be your car, your phone, or even your old mate Dave after one too many at the pub. If it’s broken beyond repair (or just needs a good kick to get going again), carking it is the perfect way to say it’s had a good run.

Bash

In true Aussie fashion, bash can mean two very different things. If someone “got bashed,” it means they copped a beating. But if you’re heading to a bash, congrats – you’re off to a ripper party. Context is everything, so make sure you’re RSVPing to the right kind!

Yakka

Nothing comes easy without a bit of hard yakka. Long hours, sweat on the brow, and a job well done – that’s the Aussie way. The word yakka first appeared in the 1840s and comes from yaga, the Yagara word for ‘work,’ an Indigenous Australian language. It’s the kind of effort that builds houses, digs trenches, and leaves you knackered but satisfied at the end of the day. 

No shortcuts, no slacking – just good, honest yakka. Aussies know all about hard yakka, but you don’t have to work too hard to secure an unforgettable trip. Check out the North Queensland to Uluru trip to make the most of your time Down Under. 

Straya

When Aussies shorten Australia, they don’t mess around – just drop a few syllables, add a bit of a drawl, and you’ve got Straya. It’s the ultimate laid-back way to refer to the land down under, best said with a snag in one hand and a stubby in the other.

Now that you’re speaking like a true blue Aussie, why not experience the country like one? Check out our ultimate Australia travel guide and our perfect 3 week itinerary to start!