Moving to a new country can mean learning a new way of speaking, even when the language is technically the same. If phrases like “fair dinkum,” “she’ll be right,” or “no worries” leave you puzzled, you’re not alone.
At Remitly, we know settling in isn’t only about visas and bank accounts; it’s also about understanding the small idiosynchrasies that make daily life easier. This guide breaks down Australian idioms you’ll hear at work, at the café, and when you’re out with friends, so you can follow along (and join in) with confidence.
What makes Aussie expressions unique
Australian English has a charm of its own. It’s casual, cheeky, and full of personality. If you spend even a few days Down Under, you’ll hear words that sound familiar, but aren’t quite what you think.
A quick history lesson
Australian English grew out of a mix of British and Irish influences, blended with Aboriginal languages and later, American slang.
When the first settlers arrived, they brought all kinds of accents with them, which started to blend into a unique sound. Over time, Aussies added their own twists, like shortening words, inventing slang, and creating expressions that reflect their easygoing culture. It’s a language built on humor, practicality, and a “don’t take life too seriously” attitude.
Short and sweet
If there’s one thing Aussies can’t resist, it’s chopping words down to shorter abbreviations. Afternoon becomes “arvo,” breakfast turns into “brekkie,” sunglasses are “sunnies,” and a gas station is a “servo.” It’s not laziness, it’s just their way of keeping things friendly and relaxed.
Aussies are masters of understatement and reassurance. “Not bad” actually means “pretty good,” and if you hear “she’ll be right,” it’s a laid-back promise that everything will work out fine. Add in phrases like “good on ya” (well done) and “no worries” (you’re welcome/it’s all good), and you’ll get why conversations always feel lighthearted and easygoing.
15 essential Aussie idioms and their meanings
There are quite a lot of common expressions you’ll hear in Australia. These sayings make conversations fun, friendly, and full of character.
Everyday Aussie phrases you’ll hear everywhere
- Fair dinkum
Meaning: Genuine or true
Example: “Is this fair dinkum, or are you having me on?”
When to use it: If you want to check if something’s the real deal - She’ll be right
Meaning: Everything will be okay
Example: “Running late, but she’ll be right, the train’s every 10 minutes.”
When to use it: To calm a situation or reassure someone - No worries
Meaning: You’re welcome; it’s fine; no problem
Example: “Thanks for the lift!” “No worries.”
When to use it: Literally all the time—“no worries” sums up the Aussie way of life - Carry on like a pork chop
Meaning: Act ridiculously or over the top
Example: “Stop carrying on like a pork chop, we’ll sort it out.”
When to use it: When a mate is being dramatic and you need to call them out - Flat out like a lizard drinking
Meaning: Extremely busy
Example: “Can’t chat, flat out like a lizard drinking at work.”
When to use it: To colorfully complain about being swamped - Crikey
Meaning: Surprise or shock
Example: “Crikey! That storm rolled in fast.”
When to use it: As an exclamation, often playfully - Struth
Meaning: Disbelief or amazement
Example: “Struth, that queue’s long.”
When to use it: In place of “wow”—it’s a bit old-school, but still fun - Bloody oath
Meaning: Absolutely; you bet
Example: “Game tonight?” “Bloody oath.”
When to use it: When you want to show strong agreement
Slang that’s pure Aussie culture
- True blue
Meaning: Genuinely Australian; loyal
Example: “She’s true blue, raised in the bush.”
When to use it: To describe someone or something that feels authentically Aussie - Ute
Meaning: A utility vehicle (pickup truck)
Example: “We’ll borrow a ute for the move.”
When to use it: Everyday transport talk, especially in rural areas - Bottle-o
Meaning: Liquor store
Example: “Let’s grab something from the bottle-o to bring to the party.”
When to use it: Any time you’re stocking up for a BBQ - Chuck a u-ey
Meaning: Make a U-turn
Example: “Missed the turn, chuck a u-ey at the lights.”
When to use it: Driving directions, Aussie style - Dodgy
Meaning: Sketchy or unreliable
Example: “That listing looks dodgy, ask for more photos.”
When to use it: For products, deals, or situations that seem a bit off - Hard yakka
Meaning: Hard work; tough labor
Example: “That landscaping was hard yakka.”
When to use it: For any job that leaves you knackered - Yeah, nah
Meaning: A polite no
Example: “Want to camp in the rain?” “Yeah, nah, maybe next weekend.”
When to use it: To soften rejection without sounding harsh—flip it to “nah, yeah,” and it means yes
And here’s a little bonus tip if you’re heading to Australia from the US: “Thongs” aren’t what you think; they’re flip-flops. And if you say “pants,” most Aussies will assume you mean underwear. Stick with “trousers” to avoid confusion.
Why learning Aussie idioms is helpful
Picking up Aussie slang is a great way to help you feel at home. The more you get these little expressions, the easier it is to connect, laugh along, and avoid those “wait, what?” moments in everyday chats.
Aussies love keeping conversations light, cheeky, and informal, and idioms are the glue that holds that vibe together. When you know what “she’ll be right” or “flat out like a lizard drinking” means, you’re not just understanding words, you’re tapping into cultural humor and Australia’s laid-back worldview.
Practical wins for everyday life
Idioms also pop up in everyday situations where you might least expect them. Your barista might say they’ve been “flat out all morning” (translation: swamped). A landlord might describe a place as “a bit dodgy” (meaning sketchy). Even giving directions can come with slang: “just chuck a u-ey at the lights.”
Understanding these phrases makes everything smoother, whether you’re renting an apartment, asking for help in a shop, or figuring out Aussie workplace culture.
And once you start using these idioms yourself, you’ll notice people respond differently. Including idioms in your everyday conversations instantly makes you sound friendlier and more approachable. Aussies often use understatement, sarcasm, and playfulness in everyday talk, and knowing idioms is like being let in on the punchline.
Tips for mastering Australian expressions
The more you listen, the more natural Aussie slang feels, and before long, you’ll be dropping a casual “no worries” like you’ve lived there your whole life.
Practice with locals
Pay attention to how friends, coworkers, or even strangers at the café use certain phrases. Aussie workplaces and social groups are usually relaxed, but the tone can shift depending on context, so it’s smart to listen before you dive in.
Australians are generally pretty chill if you try out slang, and most are happy to explain if you’re not sure. Don’t be afraid to ask—the attempt usually earns you a smile.
Hear Aussie slang in context
Binge some local TV shows, scroll social media, or tune into the news, and you’ll hear slang in real time. Even common greetings like “how ya goin’?” will make more sense when you’ve heard them said naturally.
Try jotting down new expressions on your phone, along with the context where you heard them and a sample sentence. Give it a quick scan before work, school pick-up, or a weekend BBQ to keep them fresh in your mind.
Just remember, some expressions are best kept for casual chats with friends (“bloody oath,” for example). Stick to softer ones like “thanks heaps” at work or in formal situations.
Use reliable references
If you want to check the meaning of something you’ve heard or you’re curious about the origins of an expression, here are a few trusted resources:
A few final thoughts
When it comes to using Aussie expressions, context is everything. Words like “mate” aren’t gender-specific. You’ll hear them from women, men, and non-binary people alike. But if you’re unsure, using someone’s name is always a safe bet.
Swearing also shows up more often in everyday conversation than in some other cultures, though it’s best to keep things clean at work or when meeting new people.
You’ll notice regional quirks too. In some states, people wear “bathers,” in others, “togs,” and in others, “swimmers.” Even brand names sneak into everyday slang, like “esky” for a cooler. And don’t forget that Aussie humor can be dry, deadpan, and sometimes sound blunt if you’re not used to it. The trick is to listen for tone and remember that most of the time, it’s all in good fun.
Australian idioms add color and warmth to everyday conversations. The more you listen and try them out, the more comfortable you’ll feel at the coffee cart, on a team call, or chatting with neighbors after school pick-up. You don’t need to memorize everything; start with a few expressions you hear often and build from there.
FAQs
What are the most commonly used Australian idioms?
Popular everyday expressions include “no worries” (it’s okay/you’re welcome), “fair dinkum” (genuine/true), and “she’ll be right” (it’ll be okay). You’ll also hear casual shortenings like “arvo” (afternoon) and “brekkie” (breakfast) in daily chats.
Why does Australian English use so many idioms and shortenings?
It reflects a laid-back, humorous communication style and a long history of language mixing, including words from Aboriginal languages. For example, “yakka” (work) is widely traced to the Yagara language.
Do Australians use idioms in formal settings?
Slang is more common in casual contexts. Straightforward, direct language is a safer bet in interviews or formal meetings, though idioms will pop up in friendly office banter.
How can I learn to use Australian idioms naturally?
Listen for common phrases in your neighborhood or workplace, keep a list of idioms on your phone, and try one or two expressions in low-stakes conversations. Checking out blogs and social media posts on Aussie slang and greetings is another helpful starting point.