When Americans think of English-speaking countries, they often assume the language will be universally understandable.
But as many travelers quickly realize, the English spoken in countries like Australia comes with its own slang, quirks, and regional flavor.
Whether you’re planning a vacation Down Under, chatting with an Aussie online, or just want to understand what your favorite Australian TV character just said, knowing some of the most commonly misunderstood Aussie terms can help.
Here are 25 Australian terms and phrases that often leave Americans scratching their heads, complete with meanings, background, and usage.
1. Chemist
In the U.S., a chemist is someone in a lab, often with a Ph.D., mixing chemicals. In Australia, though, the word refers to the local pharmacy a place where you go to buy medicine, skin care, or even snacks.
Aussies might say, “I need to pop into the chemist to grab some Panadol.” Don’t be surprised if the “chemist” looks more like your local CVS than a science lab.
2. Barbie
No, they’re not talking about the doll with the pink convertible. In Australia, a “barbie” is a barbecue, a key part of social life. Aussies love to grill outside, especially during holidays like Australia Day.
“Throw another shrimp on the barbie” might be a cliché, but it reflects real Aussie barbecue culture think sausages, prawns, steaks, and icy drinks with friends under the sun.
3. Bathers
Forget bathrobes and tubs “bathers” in Australia means swimwear. You might hear someone say, “Don’t forget your bathers for the beach!”
Whether it’s a bikini, one-piece, or board shorts, bathers are essential attire in a country surrounded by ocean and blessed with year-round beach weather.
4. Air Con
Americans say “AC” or “air conditioning,” but Aussies keep it chill with “air con.” During sweltering summer days, you’ll hear things like, “Is the air con on?” or “This office needs better air con!” It’s a must-have in a country where temperatures often soar above 100°F.
5. Bottle-O
When Australians need alcohol, they head to the bottle-o, not the liquor store. It’s short for “bottle shop,” and many are drive-through.
An Aussie might say, “I’m stopping at the bottle-o for a slab of beer.” A slab? That’s a 24-pack. You’re learning Aussie fast!
6. Bikkie
“Bikkie” is short for biscuit, but in Australian terms, that usually means what Americans would call a cookie. “Would you like a cuppa and a bikkie?” is a classic Aussie invitation.
Popular bikkies include Tim Tams, Monte Carlos, and ANZAC biscuits chewy, oat-filled treats with historical significance.
7. Brekkie
Aussies take their breakfast seriously, and they lovingly call it “brekkie.” Expect smashed avo on toast, poached eggs, Vegemite, and even grilled halloumi.
Cafes across the country serve brekkie all day, often paired with flat whites or long blacks (their favorite coffee styles).
8. Brolly
Rain on the forecast? Don’t forget your “brolly” that’s Aussie for umbrella. It’s one of those terms that sounds adorable and practical.
“I’ll just grab my brolly before we head out” is common when clouds start gathering.
9. Cut Lunch
“Cut lunch” means a packed lunch, usually consisting of sandwiches. But Aussies also use the phrase in humorous ways: “That place is a cut lunch and a water bag away,” meaning it’s a long trek especially out in the bush where food and hydration are essentials.
10. Chrissy
“Chrissy” is short for Christmas, and you’ll hear it everywhere in December: “Chrissy shopping,” “Chrissy lunch,” “Chrissy cards.”
Since Christmas falls in the summer in Australia, Chrissy celebrations often include outdoor fun, seafood, salads, and swimming.
11. Cordial
In America, cordial might be a polite personality trait or a sweet liqueur. In Australia, it’s a sweet, fruit-flavored concentrate that’s mixed with water, often served to children.
It’s like Kool-Aid but a bit more syrupy. Kids grow up drinking it at birthday parties and picnics.
12. Cracker
A “cracker” in Australia can be a firework, a joke, or even just something fantastic. If someone says, “That was a cracker of a game,” they mean it was awesome. It’s a cheerful, enthusiastic word you’ll often hear around sports or social events.
13. Dear
“Dear” might mean expensive rather than endearing. An Aussie might say, “Those shoes are a bit dear,” which translates to “Those shoes are pricey.”
It’s commonly used in shopping contexts, whether at a high-end boutique or a corner store.
14. Dunny
Want to find the bathroom? Ask for the “dunny.” It’s an old-school Aussie term for toilet, still widely used.
Originally referring to outhouses, it now simply means the loo be it inside a café or out in the bush.
15. Esky
An “esky” is a cooler or ice chest, essential for beach trips and backyard barbies. Aussies might say, “Chuck the beers in the esky.” Named after a popular brand, it’s become a generic term like Kleenex for tissues.
16. Fair Dinkum
“Fair dinkum” is pure Aussie gold. It means genuine, real, or honest. “Are you fair dinkum?” is like asking, “Are you serious?” The term has roots in 19th-century slang and is still a proud badge of authenticity.
17. Flanno
Your “flanno” is your flannelette shirt, often worn by tradies, hipsters, or campers. It’s rugged and comfy perfect for chilly mornings or fireside chats. Aussies love their flannos almost as much as their footy.
18. Footy
“Footy” is not NFL or soccer it’s usually Aussie Rules Football (AFL) or rugby, depending on the state.
It’s intense, fast-paced, and deeply rooted in local pride. Aussies gather around the TV for footy finals like Americans do for the Super Bowl.
19. Hard Yakka
“Hard yakka” means tough physical labor, and it comes from Aboriginal origins. You’ll hear it in construction sites, farms, and among the working class: “That was some hard yakka today.” There’s even a clothing brand named after it.
20. Kip
Need a nap? Aussies call it a “kip.” You might hear, “I’m going for a quick kip after lunch.” It’s a soft, friendly term that makes dozing off sound like a cozy ritual instead of lazy behavior.
21. Pom
“Pom” is an Aussie nickname for a British person. It’s usually light-hearted, though its origins are murky, possibly from the red tint British tourists get in the sun (like a pomegranate). You’ll hear jokes like, “The Poms can’t handle our heat!”
22. Rellie
A “rellie” is a relative. “We’re having the rellies over this weekend,” might refer to grandparents, cousins, or even in-laws. Like most Aussie slang, it trims the word down to something more casual and conversational.
23. Ute
A “ute” is a pickup truck, short for “utility vehicle.” Common in rural areas and among tradies, utes are built for work, camping, and towing. Australians even hold ute musters, where thousands gather to show off their rigs.
24. Walkabout
While originally used (sometimes inaccurately) to describe Aboriginal spiritual journeys, “walkabout” now informally means gone missing or wandering off.
“My phone’s gone walkabout again” just means you’ve lost i,t probably under the couch.
25. Maccas
Australians love abbreviating names, and McDonald’s is no exception it’s “Maccas.” It’s used so widely that even official McDonald’s signs in Australia say Maccas. You might be invited out with, “Let’s grab brekkie at Maccas.”
Alicia Richards