How to Speak Aussie

One of the best parts about living in a new country (or even a city sometimes!) is picking up the local lingo.  Here in Australia, there’s heaps of fun Aussie slang and slight variations to my American English language.  After a short three and a half months in Oz so far, I’ve learned a few new Aussie words and phrases.  And, while I haven’t incorporated them into my daily speak quite yet, they’re still fun to hear and share.

“Have a plunk” – Have a drink or several

“Pram” – Baby stroller

“Ta” – Thank you.  I have to be honest.  Hearing this makes me cringe.

“EF Pos” – Debit card

“Zed” – The letter ‘Z’

“Brekkie” – Breakfast

“Arvo” – Afternoon

“Mate” – Friend

“Partner” – A significant other, male or female

“Jumper” – A sweater or jacket.  I’m not clear on whether or not there’s a difference.

“Lift” – An elevator

“Pop around”, “Pop over” – Come around or come over

“Have a think” – Take some time to think about it.  One of my favorites!

“Car park” – Parking lot

“Boot” – The trunk of the car

“Ute” – A pick-up truck

“Have a go” – Give it a try

“Darling” – The most common term for girls.  In the U.S. you’d likely hear “sugar” or “sweetheart”

“I reckon” – I think

“After a table (or some other object)” – Wanting something.  Example: When I was looking for a copy of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, I would say I’m “after” it rather than “looking for” it.

“Bogan” – Kind of like a Red Neck…or someone who is country

“Sort it out” – To work something out or handle something.  If Olivia Pope was Australian, your issue would be”sorted”.

“Heaps” – Lots of something, many

“Good on you” – Good for you

“How you going?” – Australian version of ‘How’s it going?’

“It’s pissing outside” – Raining, most likely heavily

“You’re alright” – It’s all good, typically heard after saying ‘thank you’.

“You alright?” – Similar to asking “Can I help you?”

“G’day” – Good day. Classic Australian.

“Tuck in” or “Get stuck in” – Dig in, start to eat

“Full on” – Something is really intense

“Flat out” – Extremely busy

Not a bad start, eh?  Some of these I’ve heard over and over again and a few are a bit more of a novelty.  More to come, I’m sure, especially as I continue to travel around the country.  Thank you, Sydney, for the Aussie lingo intro!