Planning a trip down under? Australia is a truly stunning, laid-back, welcoming, and vibrant country. The residents are famously friendly and will often go out of their way to make tourists feel at home; you might even get invited to a backyard barbie (barbecue) to have a chinwag (chat) and a coldie (cold beer).
One of the first things you will notice is that the way English is spoken here is distinctly different from every other English-speaking region.
Aussies have a strong affinity for shortening words. They typically truncate the final syllable and often substitute it with a vowel sound. For instance: Service station becomes servo. Avocado becomes avo. Sandwich becomes sanga. Afternoon becomes arvo.
Furthermore, don't be surprised if you receive a nickname—that is generally a sign of acceptance and friendship! People are commonly referred to by shortened versions of their last names, so Sam Robertson might be called 'Robbo' and Alex Jones could be given 'Jonesy'.
If you genuinely want to converse like a resident, check out this list of popular Aussie slang phrases you can confidently use in your next conversation with a local. At the very least, you will know exactly what they mean when you hear them!
1. Maccas run
Meaning: Maccas is the local short form for the international fast-food chain. A 'Maccas run' typically takes place the morning after a late night when someone offers to drive (not actually run) to the location and collect some much-needed food.
How to use it: “I’m going to do a Maccas run, want me to grab you something?”
2. A happy little vegemite
Meaning: This cheerful phrase originated from an advertisement for a famous savoury black spread that Australians enjoy on toast for breakfast. It is now widely used to describe someone who is exceptionally happy and content. You might also hear the phrase 'happy as Larry' used in the same joyful context.
How to use it: “Look at those happy little vegemites playing in the park.”
“Yep, they’re happy as Larry!”
3. Trackie dacks
Meaning: Trackie dacks (or simply 'trackies') are an absolute necessity during Australian winters. They are soft, cozy sweatpants that are typically worn for relaxing around the house.
How to use it: “I’m just going to put on my trackie dacks and chill on the couch tonight.”
4. Chuck a u-ey
Meaning: You might hear this phrase when traveling in the car with a friend. It simply means to perform a U-turn.
How to use it: “Oh no, I missed the exit. No worries, I’ll just chuck a u-ey up here.”
5. Fire up the barbie
Meaning: Australians adore inviting friends over for a relaxed weekend barbecue, particularly during the summer. This phrase means to start cooking on the barbecue. If you’re told the event is ‘BYO’, remember to bring your own drinks. If you're asked to 'bring a plate', bring some shared snacks or a salad.
How to use it: “Do you guys want to come over on Sunday arvo and I’ll fire up the barbie? Just B-Y-O.”
6. It’s my shout!
Meaning: When enjoying drinks at a pub with friends, everyone usually takes turns buying a round of drinks for the group. When it is your turn to purchase, you declare, ‘it’s my shout!’. You can also use it if you want to pay for something else for your friend, like a coffee, lunch, or a cinema ticket.
How to use it: “Alright, it’s my shout. What’s everyone having?”
7. Chuck a sickie
Meaning: This slightly mischievous phrase is used when someone calls their employer to take the day off work, but they are not genuinely sick. They might use it because they are simply tired or can't be bothered working.
How to use it: “I’m going to chuck a sickie so we can stay an extra night down the coast.”
8. Parmi and Pot night
Meaning: A parmi (short for parmigiana, sometimes called parma) is a chicken schnitzel topped with tomato salsa, cured ham, and cheese, typically served with hot chips and salad. This is an extremely popular dish in most Australian pubs. As a result, many establishments host a special Parmi and Pot night on a specific evening, where the meal is sold at a reduced price and includes a complimentary small glass of beer ('pot').
How to use it: “The pub down the road does a good parmi and pot night for a cheap price on Wednesdays.”
9. Carrying on like a pork chop
Meaning: This expression is used to describe an individual who is behaving in a silly, childish, or overly dramatic way and creating a noticeable scene.
How to use it: “The kid was carrying on like a pork chop 'cos he wanted an ice cream and his mum said no.”
10. Mozzie spray
Meaning: Although Australia features many cute native animals, it also hosts some annoying ones. The most prevalent nuisance insect is the mosquito (mozzie), which bites on warm evenings, leaving itchy red marks. Your best defense is to cover exposed skin with mozzie spray (insect repellent).
How to use it: “Ahh the mozzies are biting. Do you have any mozzie spray?”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do Australians shorten so many words?
The habit of shortening words is a distinctive cultural trait, believed to stem from a preference for ease of communication and informality. It's a key part of Australian identity and conversational style.
What is 'BYO' and 'bring a plate' at a barbie?
'BYO' means 'Bring Your Own' drinks. 'Bring a plate' means to contribute a dish of food, typically a salad or dessert, to be shared among all the guests at the barbecue.
Is 'chuck a sickie' common practice?
While the term is widely understood and used, it specifically refers to the act of taking a day off work when you are not actually unwell. It is a known part of the colloquial language but is an unofficial way to take an unscheduled break.
What is the difference between 'parmi' and 'parma'?
Both refer to the same dish—a chicken schnitzel topped with sauce and cheese. The name 'parmi' is generally used in areas like New South Wales and Queensland, while 'parma' is more common in Victoria and Western Australia.