Lexi Webster
Australia's unique form of English is a result of diverse cultures, history, and heritage. The Australian language is characterised by a casual tone, with sentences that flow together and words that are abbreviated or indistinguishable. The Australian accent is marked by elongated vowels and dropped consonants, particularly the 'r' sound at the end of words. The 'a' sound often becomes an 'i' sound, and the 'ah' sound in words like 'that' or 'hat' becomes an 'eh' sound. Slang is also prevalent in Australian English, with phrases like 'arvo' for 'afternoon' and 'Maccas' for 'McDonald's'. To act like an Australian, it's important to embrace the country's laid-back and friendly culture, which includes a love for BBQs and a unique sense of humour.
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Use Aussie slang
The Australian language is quite laid-back and informal. To sound like a true Aussie, you should try to adopt a casual tone and use slang and abbreviations in your speech.
Abbreviate words
Australians tend to shorten words and add "o", "i", "e", or "y" to the end. For example, "breakfast" becomes "brekkie", "afternoon" becomes "arvo", "McDonald's" becomes "Maccas", and "definitely" becomes "defo".
Drop the "r"
When speaking with an Australian accent, the "r" sound at the end of words is often dropped or not pronounced clearly. For example, "river" becomes "riva", and "together" becomes "tagetha".
Omit the "g"
Similarly, the "g" sound at the end of words like "catching" and "kicking" is often left out, so they become "catchin'" and "kickin'".
Chew your words
Australians tend to draw out their vowels, creating multiple vowel sounds in a single word. For example, "nice" can sound like "noice", and mate" can sound like "might". This is sometimes referred to as "chewing" your vowels.
Drop the "t"
The "t" sound at the end of words like "right" can be dropped, so it sounds like "roigh".
Transform "a" to "i"
The "a" sound in words can change to an "i" sound. For example, "no way, mate" can sound like "no w-ay-e, m-aye-ght".
Change "that" and "hat"
The "ah" sound in words like "that" and "hat" can change to an "eh" sound, so they sound like "theht" and "heht".
Add a soft "r"
When pronouncing long "o" sounds, like the "o" in "no", add a soft "r" at the end, so it sounds like "naur".
Use slang phrases
Australians use a lot of slang in their everyday conversations. Some common phrases include "G'day, mate!", "fair dinkum", and "crook" (meaning unwell).
Remember that Australian slang and accent can vary depending on the region and the social class of the speaker. The more rural or blue-collar the environment, the more likely you are to hear Aussie slang. Additionally, watch Australian movies and TV shows to get a better sense of the language and accent.
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Drop the 'r'
To speak like an Australian, it's important to remember that the Australian language is quite laid-back and lazy. The ends of words are sometimes indistinguishable or cut off, and sentences tend to flow together.
One key aspect of the Australian accent is dropping the "r" sound at the end of words. This is a distinctive feature of the Australian dialect and can help you sound more like a local. Here are some examples of how to drop the "r" when speaking like an Australian:
- Matter becomes "matta".
- River becomes "riva".
- Soccer or footie for "soccer".
- Together becomes "tagetha".
- Runner becomes "runna".
- Hard becomes "hahd".
- Baritone becomes "bah-ritone".
The "r" sound is also often dropped before a consonant. For example, the word "car" might sound like "cah".
In addition to dropping the "r", there are a few other pronunciation changes to be aware of. The long "a" sound in words like "mate" can sound like a long "i", so "mate" might sound like "might". The "o" sound in "no" can be blended with an "ah" and a short "u", with a soft "r" at the end, resulting in "naur".
Aussie slang is also an important part of the Australian language. Some common slang words and phrases include "arvo" for "afternoon", "Maccas" for "McDonald's", and "G'day, mate!" as a friendly greeting.
It's worth noting that the Australian accent can vary depending on the region and the background of the speaker. For example, the "real" Australian accent might be more commonly found outside of cities like Sydney, while accents in urban areas might resemble British or American accents with an Australian twist. Additionally, the broad accent, general accent, and cultivated accent are the three distinct classes of Australian speech. The broad accent is quite pronounced, while the general accent is more common and the cultivated accent is less frequently heard nowadays.
To truly master the Australian accent and slang, it's recommended to watch Australian movies and TV shows, listen to how locals speak, and immerse yourself in the culture when visiting Australia.
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Chew your words
To speak like an Australian, it's important to remember that the Australian language is quite laid-back and lazy. Sentences flow together, and the ends of words are sometimes indistinguishable or cut off.
One way to achieve this is by chewing your words before you say them. Australians don't annunciate like Americans; they seem to speak without opening their mouths too widely, and words blend together.
For example, when pronouncing the word "no", say it like "nar" and chew the word, transforming it into an A-O sound. The "o" sound in "no" is hard for non-Australians to get right, but if you do, you'll sound Australian. The "o" sound is blended with the "ah" of an "a" and the "uh" of a short "u", with a bit of an "r" (like in "oar") at the end. So, "no" becomes "naur". This only happens when the "o" isn't followed by a consonant sound.
Another example is the word "right", which should sound like "roigh". The ending of the word should sound like the middle of "uh-oh", with a pause after the "r" sound.
Additionally, the "a" sound often becomes like an "i". So, "no way, mate" would sound like "no w-ay-e, m-aye-ght", but not too drastically different.
The "ah" sound in words like "that" or "hat" sounds more like the "eh" sound in "egg". So, "that hat" would sound like "theht heht".
Finally, the Australian accent reflects the casual Aussie lifestyle and their national values of informality and friendliness. So, when adopting an Australian accent, remember to embrace the laid-back attitude that goes with it!
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Dress like a local
If you want to dress like a local Australian, there are a few key items you should consider incorporating into your wardrobe. Firstly, a good pair of shorts is essential. Australians tend to favour shorter shorts, and it's not uncommon to see people wearing footy shorts, stubbies, or even just a pair of swim trunks. If you're looking for something a little more dressed up, beige chinos are a popular choice.
When it comes to shirts, a t-shirt or polo shirt is a classic choice for Australians. An old footy jersey is also a great option, especially if you're dressing up for a night out. For cooler weather, a flannel shirt or denim jacket can be layered over the top. In terms of footwear, thongs (flip-flops) are extremely common, as are RM Williams boots. If you're looking for something more casual, trainers or going barefoot are also options.
If you're heading to the beach, a wide-brimmed hat is a must to protect you from the sun. The iconic Akubra hat is a popular choice, though any wide-brimmed bucket hat will do the trick. For women, a small knit cap or a sun-safe brimmed hat is also an option. When it comes to pants, jeans are a safe choice, though Australians also favour more casual options like big, baggy pants or shorts.
It's worth noting that Australia's dress code and fashion styles vary widely across the country and are heavily influenced by the climate. So, depending on the location and time of year, you might see people in black skinny jeans and Kathmandu jackets in Melbourne, while in Queensland, you're more likely to see people in lighter clothing like shorts and t-shirts. Ultimately, Australians tend to prioritise practicality, durability, and functionality in their clothing choices, while still incorporating global streetwear trends and contemporary fashion.
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Know your BBQs
Australia has a diverse culture, history, and heritage, and its national language is a reflection of this. BBQs are a big part of Australian culture, and there are a few things to know about them.
First and foremost, BBQs are a social event in Australia. They are a time for friends and family to gather and enjoy each other's company while enjoying good food and drinks. Australians take their BBQs seriously, and it is not uncommon for neighbours to have BBQs together, often with a friendly rivalry as to whose BBQ is the best.
When it comes to food, Australians like to keep it simple. Typical BBQ fare includes sausages, burgers, steak, and seafood, with a variety of salads and sides. It is also common to see more exotic meats on the BBQ, such as kangaroo or emu sausages. Australians also love their condiments, and you will often find a variety of sauces and chutneys to accompany the meat.
Drinks are an important part of any Australian BBQ, and it is customary to bring your own drinks (known as a "BYO"). Beer is a popular choice, and there are many Australian beer brands to choose from, such as Coopers, Cascade, and Tooheys. Australians also enjoy a good wine, and with Australia's renowned wine regions, there is no shortage of options.
Finally, it is important to remember that Australians have a laid-back attitude towards time. A BBQ might start at a specified time, but it is not uncommon for people to arrive early or late, and the event may continue well into the evening. It is also not unusual for a BBQ to turn into an impromptu party, with music, dancing, and games. So, if you are invited to an Australian BBQ, be prepared for a fun and relaxing day (or evening) of good food, drinks, and company.
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Frequently asked questions
Some common phrases used by Australians include G'day, mate, How ya going? and fair dinkum. You can also add the word "but" at the end of sentences, even if it doesn't make sense.
The Australian language is very laid back, with words often flowing together and ending sounds indistinguishable or cut off. Abbreviate words, like "breakfast" to "brekkie", and "afternoon" to "arvo". Drop the "r" at the end of words like "river", pronouncing it "riva", and add a soft "r" to long "o" sounds, like "no" becoming "naur".
Australians are known for their friendliness and laid-back attitude. Avoid taking yourself too seriously and be prepared for some good-natured ribbing. When it comes to etiquette, avoid taking an open stubby to a job interview, and refrain from yelling at characters on the screen.
Some Australian slang includes "arvo" for "afternoon", "Maccas" for "McDonald's", "budgie smugglers" for speedo-style swimwear, and "crook" meaning unwell.
