9 Australian Slang Words You Should Know

Australian slang is almost a language of its own. Aussies (as they're also called) love to play with words, and to use shortened terms to explain things. Though some of them have roots in British English, Australian English has grown and changed into its own interesting type of language.

How many of these Australian slang words do you recognize?
How many of these Australian slang words do you recognize?

 

Many people recognize phrases like "shrimp on the barbie" (which isn't actually said in Australia), and "roo" (for kangaroo), but there are many more phrases that you'd hear during a trip or English course in Australia.


HANDPICKED RELATED CONTENT: HOW TO TALK ABOUT YOURSELF IN ENGLISH


Here's a list of 9 Australian slang words you should know

1. cya this arvo - See you this afternoon.

Cya this arvo in class!

 

2. daks - trousers (UK), pants (US)

I got some new daks yesterday at the shop.

 

3. dunnie - toilet, bathroom

D'ya know where the dunnie is, mate?

It always helps to know how to ask where the bathrooms are!
It always helps to know how to ask where the bathrooms are!

 

4. earbashing - constant chatter/talking

Her earbashing while I tried to study was driving me crazy!

 

5. fair dinkum - genuine, real

Anna's a fair dinkum Aussie.

 

6. heaps - a lot, lots

Thanks heaps for your help. 

 

7. hooroo - goodbye

Hooroo mate, see ya tomorrow.

 

8. rellies  - relatives

The rellies are in town this weekend and we're going to the beach.

 

9. thong - flip flops

I need a new pair of thongs, these are about to break.

These are perfect to wear to the beautiful beaches of Australia
These are perfect to wear to the beautiful beaches of Australia

 

(Special thanks to Anna, our model from the Spooky post, who explained these Aussie slang terms for us.)

The best way to learn new Australian slang is to study English in Australia, mate. If you want to find out more about one of our Australian schools, contact a student advisor today!

 

 

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