Australians are known world-wide for their unique accents and slang. Yes, Aussies speak English, but it’s not the kind of English we often encounter on TV or in books. If you’re an international student living in Australia, communicating fluently may take some adjustment. We’re here to help you get accustomed to some words and phrases that are new to your ears.
Stay in the loop and impress your Aussie friends with these 15 noteworthy Aussie slang words and phrases:
Ankle biter
A term used to refer to small children
Barbie
Short for barbecue, as in “Let’s go to Jack’s for a barbie!”
Bludger
A lazy person
Bottle-o
Aussie term for a liquor store
Carrying on like a pork chop
Something you do when overreacting or getting dramatic over a small matter
Crikey
The most common exclamation in Australia when surprised
Good on you
“Well done!” or “Good job!”
Knackered
You’re knackered when you are fully exhausted
On your bike
Used to send someone annoying away, as in “Get on your bike!”
Put a sock in it!
A term that shuts people up when you absolutely need them to be quiet
She’ll be right!
An optimistic remark, reassuring one’s self or another that it will all be okay
Slab
This is what you call a carton of beer in The Oz
Too right
When you agree with another person’s statement, you say, “Too right!”
Veg out
This means to chill out, to relax, to take it easy.
Woop woop
Being in the middle of nowhere, or in isolated Australian country towns
How many of these terms have you heard and used? Watch out for another list guiding you through Aussie slang!
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