Australia and the United States may share a common language, English, but that doesn’t mean communication always flows smoothly.
While Americans might assume they’ll understand everything Down Under, Aussie slang can leave even the most seasoned travelers scratching their heads.
From quirky abbreviations to entirely different meanings for familiar words, Australians have a way with language that’s both charming and confusing.
Whether you’re planning a trip to Sydney or chatting with an Aussie friend online, brushing up on these local expressions can save you from awkward misunderstandings.
Here are the 25 Australian terms that confuse Americans:
1. Chemist:
In the United States, a chemist is a professional scientist. However, in Australia, “chemist” is the term used for a pharmacy.
So, if you are in an Australian city like Brisbane or Sydney and need to get a prescription filled, you would look for a place called a chemist.
It’s an important difference to know when seeking medical supplies or medications down under.
2. Barbie:
If you hear someone talking about a “barbie” in Australia, they are most likely not referring to the plastic doll.
Instead, “barbie” is the common short form for barbeque or grill in the land down under. Planning a “barbie” means planning an outdoor cookout where food is grilled.
3. Bathers:
While the term “bathers” might sound like it relates to people taking a bath, it’s a water-adjacent term with a different meaning in Australia.
In Australian English, “bathers” is simply another word for a swimsuit or swim trunks. So, if you’re heading to the beach, don’t forget your bathers.
4. Air Con:
When it’s hot in the U.S., people turn on the a/c, short for air conditioning. Australians also use a shortened form, calling it “air con”.
Although “air con” is a logical abbreviation for air conditioning, the term itself can still be puzzling to some Americans who are used to hearing “a/c”.
5. Bottle-O:
In the United States, you might go to the liquor store to buy beer or other alcoholic drinks. Australians have a distinct term for this: they head to the “bottle-o”.
The “bottle-o” is the place where you can pick up your favorite brew or other alcoholic beverages in Australia.
6. Bikkie:
In Australian slang, a “bikkie” refers to a biscuit. These can be either sweet or dry. One well-known type of bikkie mentioned is the Anzac, which is described as tasting like an oatmeal cookie. So, asking for a “bikkie” is asking for a biscuit or a cookie.
7. Brekkie:
Australian slang is known for often clipping words to create shorter, more informal variations. “Brekkie” is a perfect example of this linguistic habit.
It is simply the Australian term for breakfast. Starting your day in Australia means having “brekkie”.
8. Brolly:
If you are in Australia and it starts to rain, your friend might advise you to take a “brolly”. This term is the Australian slang word for an umbrella. So, if you don’t want to get wet, make sure you have your brolly handy on a rainy day.
9. Cut Lunch:
In Australia, a “cut lunch” specifically means sandwiches. The term is also part of a classic Australian expression: “That’s a cut lunch and a water bag”.
This saying means that something is far away, implying a long journey requiring provisions like sandwiches and water.
10. Chrissy:
When December rolls around in Australia, you might hear someone ask, “What ya doin’ for Chrissy?”.
To understand this question and avoid a confused look, know that “Chrissy” is the common Australian slang term for Christmas. They are simply inquiring about your plans for the Christmas holiday.
11. Cordial:
The word “cordial” has different meanings in North America and Australia. In North America, it can mean friendly or refer to certain types of liquor.
In Australia, however, “cordial” refers to a flavored syrup that you mix with water. It’s similar to drink mixes like Kool-Aid.
12. Cracker:
Hearing the term “cracker” in Australia does not typically refer to the crunchy snack. Instead, “cracker” is used as an adjective or exclamation meaning great or excellent.
An example is the expression, “What a cracker of a time!”, which means they had a wonderful time.
13. Dear:
In the United States, “dear” is often used as a term of endearment. However, in Australia, “dear” has a completely different meaning.
In the land down under, if something is described as “dear,” it means that it is expensive. So, a “dear” price is a high price.
14. Dunny:
“Dunny” is a well-known piece of Australian slang that means toilet. While the term originally referred specifically to outhouses, its meaning has broadened over time. Today, “dunny” can be used to refer to any type of bathroom or toilet facility.
15. Esky:
If an Australian tells you they are bringing an “esky,” they mean they are bringing a portable ice chest. Interestingly, “Esky” is actually the name of a popular brand of ice chests that are manufactured in Sydney.
So, similar to how some Americans might say “Kleenex” for tissue, Australians say “Esky” for a cooler.
16. Fair Dinkum:
“Fair dinkum” is an Australian phrase meaning true or genuine. The source suggests it originated in Australian gold mines where Chinese dialects were spoken.
The words “din” and “kum” in those dialects are said to loosely translate to “true gold”, giving rise to the meaning of genuine or authentic.
17. Flanno:
The source describes the “flanno” as an Australian wardrobe staple. It is the abbreviated term for a “flannelette shirt”.
Flannelette is a fabric similar in appearance to flannel, but it may not provide the same level of warmth because it is typically only napped on one side.
18. Footy:
When Australians talk about playing “footy,” they are talking about playing football. However, it’s crucial not to confuse this with English football (soccer) or American football.
In Australia, “footy” primarily refers to Australian rules football, although it can sometimes also refer to rugby.
19. Hard Yakka:
In Australian slang, the word “yakka” means work. Therefore, the phrase “hard yakka” logically translates to hard work.
If someone is putting in a lot of effort on a task or job in Australia, they are doing “hard yakka”.
20. Kip:
Americans might say they are going to take a nap, especially on a lazy afternoon. In Australia, the term used for taking a nap is taking a “kip”.
So, if your Australian friend says they are going for a “kip,” they are planning to take a short sleep or nap.
21. Pom:
Australians frequently refer to British people as “poms”. There are several theories about the origin of this term, with most agreeing that it is short for “pomegranate”.
The exact reason for this connection is unclear, though one theory suggests it relates to the sunburn British people often get when visiting Australia.
22. Rellie:
If you have an aunt, cousin, grandmother, or great uncle in Australia, they could all be referred to as your “rellie”.
“Rellie” is simply the common Australian short form for relative. It’s a casual and familiar way to refer to a family member.
23. Ute:
The term “ute” becomes much clearer when you realize it is an abbreviation for utility vehicle. Australians commonly use “ute” to refer to pick-up trucks. It can also be used for other types of vehicles designed to navigate rough or unpaved ground.
24. Walkabout:
Historically, white settlers used the term “walkabout” to describe certain Indigenous activities. However, the term has evolved and now has meanings unrelated to Aboriginal culture.
Today, in Australian slang, “walkabout” can be used to refer to something that is lost for good. An example given is, “That sock’s gone walkabout,” meaning the sock is permanently lost.
25. Maccas:
Australians have a unique nickname for McDonald’s, which they call “Maccas”. The source notes that the precise reason for this nickname is hard to pinpoint, beyond a general Australian preference for words ending in “a”. However, if you’re invited to “Maccas,” you know you’re heading to McDonald’s for a meal.
Alicia Richards