When you are learning the English language, you are taught how to speak and write in a correct manner. Until you visit an English-speaking country you may start to hear some weird words that you may never hear before. An English-speaking country like Australia has many slang words and phrases that can be very funny and interesting.
Whether you are going to travel to Australia soon, or just arrived here are 27 words and phrases to sound like a local.
Aussie
Slang for an Australian person is both an adjective and a noun. You may hear as well the “Aussie Aussie Aussie, Oi Oi Oi” chanted or the “C’mon Aussie C’mon” the Australian cricket anthem.
A cold one
This is slang for “to have a beer”, you may also hear “to crack open a cold one” depending on if the beer is in a can or not.
Barbie
This isn't a Barbie doll but what Australians call a “Barbeque”.
Brolly
Is a short way to say “umbrella”.
Brekkie
An Australian way to say “Breakfast”.
Cactus
If something is dead, or it's broken, for example, a mobile phone - you would say it's a “cactus”.
Choc a Block
To describe something being full, this could be a car, or if someone has just finished eating and is full, you would often hear “choc a block”.
Tracky Daks
Instead of sweatpants, in Australia, they are “tracky daks” (tracksuit pants).
Durry/Ciggy/Smoko
Another word for a cigarette.
Devo
Short for Devastated.
Esky
It is a portable cooler for drinks.
Footy
Short for “Football” (AFL or Aussie Rules kinds of sport).
Galah
A word for one of the Australian birds the Cockatoo, but also used to either describe or insult someone's intellect.
Hard Yakka
It means “work hard” and comes from the Australian indigenous language “Yaga” which means “work” in the indigenous language Yagara.
Larrikin
To describe someone who is a harmless prankster and always up for a good laugh.
Maccas
The Australian way of saying the American fast food chain “Mcdonald's”.
Manchester
It may be a place in England but it is the Australian word for bedsheets and linen.
No Worries
This means “no problem” or “it’s ok”.
Sanger
Can be a short way to say “sausages” or “sandwiches” or a “sausage sandwich”.
Stoked
Meaning pleased or excited about something.
Stuffed
Has two meanings, either you are full, or you are tired.
Ripper
You may often hear “you little ripper” this is a compliment that means “that’s great mate”.
Sick
This doesn’t mean that you are unwell, it means “awesome” or “disgusting” (it depends on the context) in Australian slang.
Stubby Holder
Is a beverage holder like a can or a bottle, that is made out of a fabric or foam sleeve. It is made to keep your drinks cold.
Thongs
These are actually what Australians call “flip flops” and you will see many Australians wearing them, not only if they are at the beach, but in shopping centers and cafes.
True Blue
If you are a “True blue” it means you are a genuine Australian.
Woop Woop
A word to describe places that are in the middle of nowhere, for example, “they live out (in/at) woop woop”.
Conclusion
Many of these words you may not hear as often in some areas or with the younger generation of Australia.
We hope you like these funny Australian slang words and phrases, and if you are traveling to or around Australia be sure to use some of them with the locals.
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