Australians have a unique way of speaking English. They tend to or rather love to abbreviate many
words which help them communicate faster using fewer words. They want to make it quick…or maybe
they are just lazy. Whatever the reason, abbreviations are an essential part of being a “True Blue”
Aussie.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common Australian slang and how they use them.
“Aussie”
You will never see Australians call themselves “Australians”. They say “Aussie” because it’s shorter and
seems more friendly when you refer to fellow Australians.
“Straya”
While the world pronounces all the syllables in “Australia”, Aussies prefer saying “Straya” instead. Its
pronounced SS-TRAAAY-AH.
“Mate”
Mate is another word for friend. Although it is common in Britain, Aussies use it more enthusiastically.
Referring to a friend as their “mate” shows the friendliness and close bond between speakers. E.g. Sup
mate? (What’s up mate?)
“G’day”
It is a general greeting, used instead of “Hello”. It is often combined with mate. E.g. “G’day Mate!”
“Arvo”
This is an abbreviation of “afternoon”. E.g. See ya in the arvo!
An extension of “arvo” is “s’arvo”. It means “this afternoon”. E.g. what are you up to s’arvo?
“Maccas”
McDonalds is lovingly called as Maccas by the Aussies. E.g. let’s head to Maccas after class.
“Cuppa”
Cuppa refers to “a cup of coffee”. This is used more often as Aussies love coffee. E.g. would you like a
cuppa?
“Barbie”
Aussies love having barbeques during holidays. Be it Christmas or just a hot summer day, “barbie” is
always welcome. “Barbie” is the abbreviation of “Barbeque”. E.g. John’s having a barbie at the beach
today.
“Footy”
Aussies love a good footy match. Although it may seem as the abbreviation of football, “footy” is
another term they use for rugby. It is commonly known as Australian football. Do not get this
confused with the other football, Aussies call it soccer. E.g. Wanna meet up at the park for a game of
footy?
“Prezzie”
“Prezzie” means “present” which has different meanings according to the usage. When you are invited
to a party, you make sure you bring a prezzie. It can be a bottle of wine, chocolates, gift vouchers etc.
In school, if you receive an assignment that you have to present through PowerPoint, you also call it
prezzie. E.g. Don’t forget to submit your prezzies by tomorrow.
Fun fact: Did you know the word “selfie” came from Australia?
Let’s get to know some more words. This will help knowing the slang language better.
- Pls give me a biccy (biscuit) to go with my cuppa. I like choccy biccy (chocolate biscuit).
- Avo toastie (bread toast with avocado) is one of the favourite Aussie brekkie (breakfast).
- Look for a bubbler (water fountain) if you are thirsty.
- Bring a brolly (umbrella) if it is raining.
- You call an ambo (ambulance) in case of accident, a fiery (fireman) in case of fire, a cabbie
(cab driver) if you want to get a ride, a tradie (tradesman) if you want something repaired and
a coppa (cop) in case of theft. The garbo (garbage man) collects the waste.
- The test was very hard! I am devo! (devastated)
- Defo (definitely) I will try better next time.
- Protect yourself from Mozzie (mosquito) bites if you are going on a bush walk.
There are plenty more words but I hope I have given you an insight of the most common Aussie slang.
It is always good to know more about the slang language if you ever plan to travel to Straya. If you find
it difficult, no worries (no problem)! The Aussies are very friendly and accommodative.
P.S. Did you notice that all the abbreviations have only two syllables?
By Anupama Pai
III yr BBM