G’day! If you’re planning to backpack through the land Down Under, you’ll quickly realise that Australian English isn’t quite like what you’re used to. Aussies have a unique way of talking, and knowing some key slang can make your trip even more fun and help you connect with locals. Whether you're hitting the beaches in Byron Bay or trekking through the Outback, here are some essential Aussie slang words and phrases to learn before you go.
1. Bogan
A “bogan” is like the Aussie equivalent of a redneck or someone who’s a bit rough around the edges. It’s often used in a playful way, but be careful – calling someone a bogan can be a bit offensive if they don’t know you’re joking. But if you hear the term being tossed around, now you’ll know what it means!
2. Dunny
Need to use the toilet? Look for the “dunny”! In Australia, this is the common slang term for the bathroom or toilet. It can be used in phrases like, “Where’s the dunny?” or “I need to go to the dunny.”
3. Thongs
Don’t get confused – “thongs” in Australia are flip-flops, not the undergarment. If you’re heading to the beach to go kayaking, you’ll want a pair of “thongs” to keep your feet cool.
4. Old mate
“Old mate” is a classic Aussie phrase that refers to someone, typically in a casual or somewhat distant way. It’s often used when you’re talking about someone, especially if you don’t know them well or want to avoid using their name. For example, “Old mate at the hostel had a great surfboard” or “I ran into old mate at the pub last night.” It can even be used in a more cheeky context, like, “Old mate’s been a bit of a legend today!”
5. She'll be right
This is another classic phrase that you’ll hear when things are either going wrong or someone’s reassuring you that everything is fine. It’s all about the Aussie laid-back attitude, so don’t stress too much – “she’ll be right” means it’ll all work out in the end.
6. Yew
“Yew” is a term of excitement or celebration, often used when someone’s stoked or pumped. It’s a bit like shouting “Woo!” or “Yeah!” but with a more Aussie twist. You’ll often hear it after a successful surf or a great party. For example when surfing you may hear someone say “Yew, that wave was epic!”
7.Eshay
“Eshay” refers to a subculture, typically young people with a rebellious or street-style attitude. The term is often used to describe someone who’s trying to act tough or cool. It’s most commonly used in urban settings and can also be associated with a specific fashion, like sporty, brand-heavy outfits. If someone calls someone an “eshay,” it might imply they're part of that edgy, street-wise crowd.
8. Bottle-o
The “bottle-o” is the local liquor store. If you're looking to grab some drinks, just head to the bottle-o. You might hear, “I’m heading to the bottle-o to grab some beers for the barbie.”
9. Barbie
When Aussies invite you to a “barbie,” they’re talking about a BBQ (barbecue). So, if someone says, “We’re having a barbie this weekend,” get ready to enjoy some snags (sausages) and maybe a few cold ones.
10. Tinnie
A “tinnie” is an Australian term for a can of beer. Aussies are known for enjoying a cold one, so you'll likely hear someone refer to cracking open a “tinnie” while relaxing by the beach or at a BBQ.
11. Arvo
If you hear someone talking about the “arvo,” they’re referring to the afternoon. Aussies love shortening words, so “arvo” is the Aussie way of saying afternoon. You might hear, “Let’s grab a beer this arvo,” or “What are you doing this arvo?”
12. Drongo
In Aussie slang, a "drongo" is someone who’s acting a bit clueless or just being a fool. It's all in good fun, but you definitely don’t want to be called one! For example, if you forget to pack sunscreen on your day trip to the beach, you might hear someone jokingly call you a "drongo." Just don’t take it personally it’s all part of the Aussie charm!
13. Pom
If you're backpacking through Australia, you’ll likely hear the term "Pom" thrown around, which is Aussie slang for a British person. It’s all in good fun and comes from a few theories, like the idea that Brits used to bring pomegranates when arriving in Australia. So, if you’re a Brit and hear it, just take it as playful banter and roll with it!
14. How ya going?
This might throw you off at first because it sounds like a question about someone’s physical state, but “How you going?” is just another way to ask, “How are you?” or “How’s it going?” So, when someone asks, “How you going?” just reply with a casual “Good!” or “Not bad!”
15. G’day!
The quintessential Aussie greeting. It's short for "Good day," but in Australia, it’s used for just about anything. Walking into a hostel? G’day! Meeting a local at the beach? G’day! It's one of the first things you'll hear, and now you'll know how to reply.
16. Straya
Australians love to shorten their words, so “Straya” is just a casual way to refer to Australia. It’s used affectionately, like “Aussie” but with even more laid-back vibes.
Learning Aussie slang is a fun way to immerse yourself in the culture and connect with the locals. While it might take a bit of practice, once you start using these terms, you’ll be chatting like a true blue Aussie in no time. And who knows, you might just find yourself saying “G’day” to a new friend at your next hostel or beach “Barbie”. So, grab your backpack, brush up on your Aussie slang, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!
Safe travels, and remember she’ll be right!
