Australia and the United States may share the English language, but when it comes to slang and everyday vocabulary, the two cultures can feel worlds apart.
From grabbing a “bikkie” to heading to the “bottle-o,” Australians use a rich and colorful range of expressions that often leave American visitors scratching their heads.
Whether you’re planning a trip Down Under or just curious about Aussie lingo, this list of 25 uniquely Australian words and phrases will help you decode what the locals are really saying, and avoid some hilarious misunderstandings along the way. Get ready to rethink your English vocabulary!
1. Chemist:
In Australia, a chemist is the term for a pharmacy, where you would go to fill a prescription. This contrasts with the U.S., where a chemist is a professional working in the science field.
Therefore, if you need medication in cities like Brisbane or Sydney, you would be directed to a chemist, which is the store itself, not a person.
2. Barbie:
If you hear the term “barbie” in Australia, it’s a good bet that they are not referring to the plastic doll. In Australia, “barbie” is simply short for “barbecue” or “grill”.
This common Australian term highlights how everyday objects can have very different names between the two English-speaking countries, making it a source of confusion.
3. Bathers:
The term “bathers” does not refer to people taking a bath, although it is a water-adjacent term. In Australian English, “bathers” is another word for a swimsuit or swim trunks.
This difference can be surprising for Americans who are accustomed to different terminology for swimwear, making it one of the phrases that can be baffling.
4. Air Con:
On a hot day in the U.S., people might ask to turn on the a/c, which is short for air conditioning. In Australia, the equivalent term is “air con”.
While this shortened version of air conditioning makes logical sense, it frequently puzzles some Americans who are not familiar with the Australian abbreviation for climate control systems.
5. Bottle-O:
Americans typically go to a liquor store to purchase alcoholic beverages like a six-pack. However, in Australia, when they are heading to pick up their favorite brew, they say they are going to the “bottle-o”.
This term refers specifically to a liquor store, presenting another distinct Australian idiom that can confuse visitors from the U.S..
6. Bikkie:
In Australian slang, a “bikkie” refers to a biscuit, which can be either sweet or dry. One of the most common types of bikkies is the Anzac, which is described as tasting like an oatmeal cookie.
This term highlights a difference in terminology for baked goods, where an American biscuit is distinct from an Australian bikkie.
7. Brekkie:
Australian slang often involves clipping words to create shorter variations, and “brekkie” is a prime example of this linguistic pattern.
“Brekkie” simply means breakfast. This abbreviation is a common part of everyday conversation in Australia, and understanding it helps clarify what might otherwise be a confusing term for Americans.
8. Brolly:
On a rainy day, an Australian friend might remind you to take a “brolly” out. They mean that you should grab an umbrella.
This short, informal term for an umbrella is another instance of Australian slang that uses abbreviations, which can initially puzzle Americans unfamiliar with such colloquialisms.
9. Cut Lunch:
A “cut lunch” refers to sandwiches in Australian slang. The term is also used in the expression, “That’s a cut lunch and a water bag,” which means something is far away in Australian lingo.
This phrase illustrates how a simple term can have both a literal meaning for food and an idiomatic expression for distance.
10. Chrissy:
Your Australian mate might ask, “What ya doin’ for Chrissy?”. To avoid a blank stare, it’s helpful to know that they are asking about your Christmas plans.
“Chrissy” is a common abbreviation for Christmas in Australia, demonstrating another instance of Australian English using shortened forms for common words.
11. Cordial:
In North America, “cordial” can describe someone who is warm and friendly, or it can refer to certain types of liquor.
However, in Australia, “cordial” refers to a flavored syrup that you mix with water, similar to products like Kool-Aid. This significant difference in meaning can easily lead to misunderstanding for Americans.
12. Cracker:
If you hear the term “cracker” in Australia, they are not referring to the crunchy snack commonly known in the U.S.. Instead, “cracker” is synonymous with “great” or “excellent,” as in the expression, “What a cracker of a time!”.
This usage highlights a different idiomatic meaning for a word that Americans would associate with food.
13. Dear:
In Australia, “dear” is not used as a term of endearment, unlike its common usage in the U.S.. In the Land Down Under, “dear” means something is expensive.
This difference can be quite confusing as the word carries completely opposite connotations in the two dialects of English, making it a source of bewilderment.
14. Dunny:
The Australian slang term “dunny” means toilet. While today it refers to any type of bathroom, it originally referred specifically to outhouses.
This term is a classic example of Australian slang for everyday facilities that differs greatly from American vocabulary, potentially causing confusion if not understood.
15. Esky:
If someone tells you they’re bringing an “esky,” it means they are bringing a portable ice chest. Esky is a popular brand of ice chests that are produced in Sydney.
The brand name has become a generic term for the item in Australia, similar to how “Kleenex” is used for tissues in the U.S..
16. Fair Dinkum:
“Fair dinkum” means true or genuine. This phrase has historical roots in Australian gold mines, where Chinese dialects were common, and “din” and “kum” loosely translated to “true gold”.
It is an authentic Australian expression used to confirm sincerity or truth, often requiring clarification for Americans.
17. Flanno:
The “flanno” is an Australian wardrobe staple and is the abbreviated form of “flannelette shirt”. Flannelette fabric looks similar to flannel, although it may not be as warm because it is only napped on one side.
This term is another instance of Australian slang using a shortened form for a common clothing item.
18. Footy:
Playing “footy” in Australia means playing football. However, it is crucial not to get confused, as this is neither English football (soccer) nor American football.
Rather, “footy” refers to Australian Rules Football or, sometimes, rugby. This sport-specific term is a common point of misunderstanding.
19. Hard Yakka:
In Australian slang, “yakka” means work. Therefore, when Australians say “hard yakka,” they are referring to hard work.
This phrase is an example of an indigenous Australian word that has been incorporated into common slang, demonstrating unique vocabulary for everyday concepts.
20. Kip:
In the U.S., you might take a nap on a lazy Saturday afternoon. In Australia, they call this taking a “kip”. This term means to take a short sleep or nap, presenting a concise and distinctly Australian way to refer to a common leisure activity that can initially baffle Americans.
21. Pom:
Australians often refer to British people as “poms”. While there are several theories about its origin, most agree that “pom” is short for “pomegranate,” though the reason for this association is unclear.
Some theories suggest it relates to the sunburn British people often get in Australia, resembling a pomegranate.
22. Rellie:
Your cousin is your “rellie,” as are your aunt, grandmother, and great uncle. “Rellie” is simply a shortened term for “relative” in Australia.
This abbreviation is another common example of Australian slang that clips words, making it a familiar part of their colloquial speech.
23. Ute:
The term “ute” makes more sense when you think of it as an abbreviation for utility vehicle. Australians often use it when referring to pick-ups and other automobiles that can navigate rough ground.
This specific term for a type of vehicle is widely used in Australia, differing from typical American automotive vocabulary.
24. Walkabout:
Historically, white settlers in Australia used “walkabout” to refer to any indigenous activity. Today, the term has gained meanings unrelated to Aboriginal culture.
You might hear it referring to something that’s lost for good, as in, “That sock’s gone walkabout,” indicating an item has vanished.
25. Maccas:
Australians commonly refer to McDonald’s as “Maccas”. While the affinity for ending words with “a” might be a factor, the precise reason for this specific abbreviation is hard to pinpoint. If someone invites you to grab a burger at Maccas, you now know they mean McDonald’s.
Alicia Richards