Moving to Australia is an exciting new chapter with new places to explore, new connections, a new way of life and a new way of speaking. If you’ve just arrived, you might have already heard Aussies throw around words like “arvo,” “brekkie,” and “mozzie.” It might sound like a new language, but don’t worry, everyone feels that way at first!
At Remitly, we know that learning a bit of Aussie slang can make a big difference. It helps you understand everyday conversations and, more importantly, makes it easier to connect with the people around you. In this guide, we’ll cover common words and phrases, and offer some tips for practicing.
Why Aussie slang matters
Australian slang is more than just playful words or shortened phrases. It reflects the laid-back vibe and cheerful spirit of Australian culture. Locals love to shorten words, give them a twist, or even make up entirely new ones.
So you’ll hear slang everywhere, whether you’re grabbing a “brekkie” (breakfast), stopping at the “servo” (service station) for fuel, or heading to a “barbie” (barbecue) with new friends.
But why is slang important?
- It shows Aussies that you respect their culture and are keen to connect.
- It can instantly warm up your conversations and help you integrate quickly.
- It makes everyday tasks like ordering coffee or asking for directions much smoother.
Think of it as learning the local dialect. Once you embrace it, you’ll feel more connected to your new home. Plus, when Aussies hear you giving their slang a go, they’ll often flash you a big smile or even laugh with you. And in Australia, “mateship” (friendship and looking out for each other) is a big deal!
Benefits of speaking like a local
Cracking the code of Aussie slang isn’t just about understanding words, it helps you read between the lines of conversations. Words or phrases like “no worries” do more than reassure; they create a more relaxed atmosphere.
If you’re making friends, sprinkling a few slang terms into your conversation can help you feel more included.
In social scenarios, you’ll feel less anxious when mates ask, “How ya goin’?” and you actually know how to respond. You’re more likely to connect genuinely, breaking down cultural barriers with humour. Locals will appreciate your effort and meet you halfway.
Overcoming challenges for non-native speakers
It’s one thing to learn standard English, but Aussie slang can throw newcomers off, especially if you’re a non-native speaker. It can feel like a whole new challenge.
Between their accent, unique word endings and habit of dropping the ends of words, it might be tricky when you start. But don’t worry, you don’t need to learn everything overnight.
If you’re a non-native English speaker, consider the following tips:
- Ask when you’re unsure.
Aussies are friendly, love a good chat and will happily explain a slang term. - Keep a slang list on your phone.
Whenever you hear a new word, write it down. It’s a fun way to track what you’ve learned. - Practice using slang in small ways.
Whether you order a “flat white” at a café or greet someone with “G’day,” little steps make a big difference.
With time, Aussie slang will start to feel more natural, and before you know it, you’ll be talking like a local.
Common Australian slang words and phrases
Learning some everyday words and phrases will not only help you understand locals better, but they’ll also help you feel settled into your new surroundings.
Popular Aussie greetings and responses
There are some terms that you’re likely to hear every day, and will probably pick up quite quickly. Just knowing this is a good start.
- G’day (mate)
The classic Aussie hello. A casual greeting that literally means “Good day,” but you can hear it at any time, not just in the morning. - How ya goin’?
Aussie for “How are you?” or “How’s it going?” A simple way to respond is “Good, thanks!” - No worries
This is the Aussie version of “You’re welcome” or “No problem.” You’ll hear it all the time!
Example:
- Person A: “G’day, mate. How ya goin’?”
- Person B: “Yeah, not bad. No worries.”
More everyday expressions—shortened words
Aussies love to shorten words, it’s just part of the culture. Here are some must-know slang terms you’ll likely hear all the time:
- Arvo: afternoon.“Let’s catch up this arvo.”
- Barbie: barbecue. “We’re having a barbie at our place on Sunday.”
- Brekkie: breakfast. “Fancy brekkie at that café down the road?”
- Defo: definitely. “I’m defo heading to the beach this weekend.”
- Macca’s: McDonald’s. “Let’s grab a burger from Macca’s.”
- Mozzie: mosquito. “Pack the mozzie spray if we’re camping.”
- Servo: service station. “I’m off to the servo to fill up the car.”
- Sunnies: Sunglasses. “Don’t forget your sunnies, it’s a scorcher today!”
- Thongs: Flip-flops. “Chuck on your thongs, we’re heading to the beach.”
And yes, “mate” gets used a lot. It’s not just for buddies, it’s also for strangers. It’s similar to “friend” or “pal.” You might hear “Cheers, mate,” after you hold the door for someone.
Unique Australian terms and their meanings
There are some terms that, while you might just hear them in other English-speaking countries because Aussies love to travel, they’re uniquely Australian.
- Budgie smugglers
Slang for men’s Speedo-style swimwear. - Dunny
Toilet. “I’m heading to the dunny. Be right back.” - Sickie
Taking a day off work when you’re unwell (or occasionally just needing a break). “I might chuck a sickie tomorrow.” - Fair dinkum
Means genuine or honest. Also used as an exclamation to express surprise. “Fair dinkum! You’re joking, right?” - Crikey
A mild exclamation of shock or excitement “Crikey, that’s a huge spider!” - She’ll be right
A phrase that means “It’ll be okay” or “Don’t worry about it.” An example might be, “Your car broke down? Ah well, she’ll be right!” - Strewth
An old-school way to say “Wow” or “That’s surprising!” - Chockers
Completely full or packed. “The train was chockers this morning.” - Daggy
Uncool or unfashionable, but in an endearing way. “Dad’s still wearing his daggy old sweater.” - Ripper
Something fantastic. “That was a ripper of a game!” - Straya
How Aussies pronounce the name of their home nation. “Love livin’ in Straya, mate!”
Resources for mastering Aussie slang
Whether you prefer books, TV shows, music, or chatting with locals, there’s no shortage of fun and practical resources to help you pick up new phrases. As well as the friendly Aussies themselves, of course.
Books and online courses
- Mastering Australian Slang and Expressions
- Lonely Planet Australian Language & Culture
- Online slang courses: sites like Udemy sometimes offer short modules on Aussie idioms.
- Language exchange groups: Websites like Meetup list groups specifically for English/Aussie slang practice.
- YouTube and TikTok offer fun, short- and long-form videos that help with pronunciation. These will include the common slang terms.
- Free English learning resources. Check out our guide to free ways to learn English in Australia—you’re sure to pick up some slang there too.
Watching and listening
Australian TV shows are a great resource for hearing slang in action:
- Neighbours: a classic soap opera with easy-to-understand dialogues.
- Kath & Kim: a comedic series that exaggerates Aussie behaviors and slang.
- Local news and radio: tuning in daily helps train your ear to the Aussie accent. Even in these more formal settings, you’re going to hear slang in interviews.
Joining Australian groups and online communities
We’ve already said it, but it’s worth repeating; Aussies are friendly and welcoming. So jumping into conversations, even online, is one of the best ways to practice slang in real life.
- Facebook community pages.
- Subreddits. r/australia has daily threads with plenty of slang.
- In-person meetups. If you’re in a city, Meetup.com often has English conversation groups or Aussie slang nights.
- Community events. Festivals, farmers’ markets, and BBQs are perfect places to hear slang used in everyday conversations.
- Sports clubs (like footy or cricket). Aussies love their sports, and joining a team helps you pick up slang naturally.
Tips for practicing and remembering Aussie slang
Once you’ve learned fun words like “mate,” “fair dinkum,” and “arvo,” the next step is making sure you actually remember and use them in real life. The key is daily practice, the right tools, and a bit of trial and error.
Fun ways to practice with friends
Practicing slang doesn’t have to feel like studying, it can be part of your daily life.
- Word of the day
Challenge yourself, or a friend, to use a new Aussie slang word in conversation daily. For instance, “I’ll wear my thongs instead of flip-flops today.” - Role-play
Try acting out everyday scenarios with a friend, like buying coffee or chatting about your weekend. Add in some slang terms and see if you’re using them correctly. This is obviously better if you’ve got a native Aussie to practice with. - Ask for feedback
Aussies enjoy helping newcomers learn. They might chuckle, but they’ll appreciate your effort. - Gamification
Turning it to a game can help. Try writing terms on little scraps of paper, mixing them up and picking one at random to see if you can get the word’s meaning. Every time you beat your own best score you’ll know you’re improving.
Using apps and language tools for learning
If you prefer a more structured approach, language apps can be your best friend:
- Anki: A flashcard app you can fill with new expressions.
- Memrise: Some user-generated courses focus on Australian expressions.
- Google Translate: This is good for cross-checking, though it might not always have slang definitions. Try Deepl, too—that can be better at understanding slang terms.
- Urban Dictionary: While not Aussie-specific, it often includes local slang submitted by Aussies.
Frequent mistakes to avoid as a newcomer
It’s normal to make mistakes as you adapt to Australian culture. So look out for common pitfalls, including:
- Overusing slang
Dropping “mate” into every sentence might sound forced. Mix it in naturally. - Confusing similar terms
“Arvo” means afternoon, whereas “Avo” is short for avocado. - Not matching tone
Some slang is more playful than polite. Learn context so you don’t call your boss “mate” in a formal setting. - Using outdated expressions
Some words that were popular decades ago (like “bonzer” for “excellent”) might sound comical today. Stick to commonly heard terms first.
Embracing the Aussie way of speaking
Learning Aussie slang is more than just picking up new words. It’s about embracing the friendly, laid-back culture that makes Australia so welcoming. Using these fun, casual expressions helps you connect with locals, feel at home, and show you’re open to the Aussie way of life.
Every slang word you learn brings you closer to feeling like a local. With a bit of practice, patience, and a sense of humour, you’ll soon be saying “G’day” or “Cheers” without a second thought. You might even surprise your friends back home with some quirky new expressions.
FAQs
What are five Aussie slang words or phrases?
- Barbie: Short for barbecue, a staple of Aussie gatherings.
- Arvo: Afternoon.
- Dunny: Toilet.
- Chucking a sickie: Taking a day off work or school, presumably due to illness (but not always!)
- Crikey: an exclamation of surprise.
How do you say hello in Australian slang?
“G’day” is your go-to greeting, often followed by “mate” for a bit of warmth; “G’day, mate!” Some also say, “How ya goin’?” which doubles as both a hello and a “How are you?” question.
How can I learn and practice Aussie slang?
To learn Aussie slang, immerse yourself by watching Australian TV shows, listening to local radio, and chatting with Aussies in social settings. Practice daily by using a new slang word in conversations, joining language exchange groups, or keeping a list of new expressions. Have fun as you learn—Aussies appreciate the effort, and the more you use slang naturally, the easier it becomes.