One cool thing about travelling to a different country is learning all kinds of local lingo. Of course, it will be mind-boggling at first, particularly when you begin to chat with Australian locals. For this reason, we’re sharing five Aussie phrases and their meanings and how to use them in a conversation!

Arvo

Australians have a thing for shortening words, and ‘arvo’ is a good example of this recurring theme. It’s a slang for afternoon, which shouldn’t be confused with ‘avo’ for avocado. Here’s how you can use it:

“Is your schedule free this arvo? Come over, mate!”

Cuppa

It’s amazing how Aussies can condense a string of words into a simple phrase like ‘cuppa,’ which means a cup of tea. Ever since the British colonisation, Australians have also acquired a love for drinking a nice hot brew. Example:

“Let’s go to your place for a cuppa. I have biscuits to bring.”

Maccas

A usual late-night activity in the Land Down Under is taking trips to ‘Maccas,’ where cheap burgers and the iconic Golden Arches can be found. Yes, you guessed it right—it’s a slang for McDonald’s!

“Are you also craving for Maccas? I know I am!”

Mozzies

Nope, ‘mozzies’ isn’t an abbreviated word for mozzarella sticks. It’s an Aussie term for those pesky insects that just seem to buzz around our ears once the summer comes in: mosquitos. Use it this way:

“All these mozzie bites are from yesterday’s trip to the beach.”

Thongs

Thank us for you’ll never have to mistake ‘thongs’ for underwear again while you’re in Australia, for this word means flip-flops or sandals in this country. You’ll never have to be confused when you hear your friend say:

“Can you please grab my thongs for me?”

Another article you may also like

Have an upcoming interview? Here’s some common interview questions and ways to answer them! Click on this link to proceed.

Want to get a unique Australian gift?

Get unique gifts with an Australian twist from Revolution Australia: http://revolutionaustralia.com/

You may also find this interview interesting

Discover how you can free yourself from fears with behavioural scientist Darren Hill. Access the Innovator Diaries podcast episode here.

A couple of useful podcasts for your commutes or for when you want to get some inspiration:

1. Hundreds of interviews with leaders from all industries (including Nobel Prize winners, Olympic gold medallists, inventors  and leaders): Innovator Diaries
2. Hundreds of short and relaxed conversations related to Travelling, International Education, Professional development and Studying: TIPS Podcast