Lyla Lindsey
Australian English is a unique variety of English with roots in British English and the country's Indigenous languages. It is characterised by a laid-back attitude, abbreviations, and a penchant for swearing. Australian slang, or 'Strine', is very informal and used mostly in spoken language. Some common Australian expressions include G'day, mate, no worries, and let's grab a slab from the bottle-o, each with its own unique meaning and usage. Understanding these expressions can help one navigate the ins and outs of Australian culture and sound like a true local.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Abbreviate words | Football becomes "footy", and it's watched on the "telly" |
| Don't pronounce 'r' at the end of words | "Foreva", "togetha" instead of "forever", "together" |
| Don't pronounce 'g' at the end of words | "Fishin", "drivin" instead of "fishing", "driving" |
| Use of swearing | "Wanker", "tosser", "bludger" |
| Use of 'mate' | "G'day, mate", "good on ya, mate" |
| Expressions related to alcohol | "Tinny" is a can, "stubby" is a small bottle, "slab" is a crate/case |
| Expressions related to food | "Brekkies", "barbies", "chook" (chicken) |
| Expressions related to places | "Outback" for uninhabited/sparsely populated areas, "bush" for natural woodlands, "woop woop" for isolated places |
| Expressions of approval | "Good on ya" |
| Expressions of anger | "Crack the sh*ts" |
| Expressions of happiness | "No worries" |
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What You'll Learn
Australian slang and its British roots
Australian slang has evolved from a variety of influences, including British roots. The unique slang terms and expressions used in Australia reflect the country's culture, history, and sense of humour. One example of Australian slang with British roots is the term "root," which means "to have sex." While this term may seem innocuous to Americans, it carries a different connotation in Australia. Similarly, the phrase "to barrack" in Australia means "to cheer for a team," which is derived from the British context of supporting a person or team.
Another example is the word "fossick," which was first used in the Australian context of looking for surface gold in the 1850s. While this term may have originated from an old English dialect that died out in the UK, it found new life in Australia and is now used more broadly to describe rummaging or searching. The adaptation of British slang to suit the Australian landscape and culture is an intriguing aspect of the country's linguistic evolution.
Australian slang is also characterised by its creativity and playfulness. Australians are known for their inventive use of language, often shortening words or creating unique phrases to suit their conversational needs. For instance, the term "bangers and mash" is believed to have been coined by Aussies, despite its quintessentially English connotation. Additionally, Australians have a penchant for diminutives, shortening words out of affection or convenience, such as "ciggies" for cigarettes and "lollies" for hard candies.
The country's national character, which values informality and a relaxed attitude, is reflected in its slang. This is exemplified by the phrase "don't spit the dummy," which means "don't lose your temper." The expression "tell him he's dreaming," popularised by the Australian film "The Castle," is often used in response to outrageous requests. Furthermore, Australians embrace mild swear words as a distinctive part of their language, such as "bogan," which refers to an uncultured or unsophisticated person.
Australian slang also showcases a sense of humour and creativity in wordplay. For instance, the term "pash rash" refers to a rash around the mouth caused by kissing, often due to facial hair. The phrase "rack off, ya moll!" is a colourful way of telling someone to go away or "fuck off." These expressions reflect the Australian tendency to inject humour and informality into their language.
In conclusion, Australian slang is a dynamic and ever-evolving aspect of the country's culture, with British roots influencing and intertwining with local adaptations. The unique slang terms and expressions used in Australia reflect the country's history, values, and playful spirit, contributing to a rich and distinctive linguistic landscape.
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Australian pronunciation
Australian English has a very distinct sound, with a unique variety of slang and pronunciation. The language has roots in British English but has also incorporated words from Indigenous languages.
One of the most notable features of Australian pronunciation is the dropping of certain consonants, particularly at the end of words. For example, Australians tend to drop the 'r' sound at the end of words, so 'together' becomes 'togetha', and 'forever' becomes 'foreva'. Similarly, the 'g' sound is often dropped, so 'fishing' becomes 'fishin', and 'driving' becomes 'drivin'.
Australians are also known for their use of abbreviations. For example, 'football' becomes 'footy', and they watch it on the 'telly'. The country is also known for its unique slang, with terms like 'bush' and 'outback' to describe different types of rural areas, and 'bottle-o' to refer to a liquor store. When it comes to food and drink, a 'slab' refers to a quantity of beer, usually a box, while a 'tinny' is a can, and a 'stubby' is a small bottle.
Australian slang also includes a lot of colourful phrases. For example, 'to crack the sh*ts' means to get very angry, while 'to have a yarn' means to have a chat or tell a story. Australians also have a unique way of expressing approval or congratulations, with phrases like 'good on ya, mate' or 'good on you'.
Overall, Australian English has a very relaxed and informal tone, with a heavy use of slang and unique pronunciation features that set it apart from other varieties of English.
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Australian drinking slang
Australia is known for its lively drinking culture, and Aussies have crafted an entire secret language around their drinks. This comprises funny, often confusing, and occasionally raunchy slang terms.
Let's start with some slang terms for pubs. In Australia, a pub may be referred to as a "watering hole", "the local", "rubbidy" (from the rhyming slang "rubbidy dub"), "the pisser", or "the boozer". If you're heading to the pub for a drink, you might say you're "getting on the grog", "hitting the turps, or "getting on the tiger".
When it comes to beer, Aussies have a wide vocabulary. Beer itself may be referred to as "amber fluid", "frothy", "liquid amber", "liquid gold", or "amber nectar". A can of beer is a "tinnie", while a small glass bottle (375ml) is a "stubbie". A glass of beer with a handle is called a "handle". Beer bought on the roadside for takeaway is a "roadie". If you're drinking beer with your mates, you'll probably be expected to "shout a round or two".
Wine also has its fair share of slang terms in Australia. "Chardy" is a playful contraction of Chardonnay, while "champers" is short for champagne. Cheap boxed wine is known as "goon", "boxie", "box monster", "Dapto briefcase", "Dubbo handbag", "red handbag", "goonie", "goon bag", "goon juice", or "goon sack".
Australians also have colourful phrases to describe drunkenness. If you've had a few too many drinks, you might say you're "pissed", "boozed", "blotto", "off your face", or "shit-faced". If you drink a lot, you might be called a "pisspot", a "booze artist", or a "piss artist". The act of vomiting after drinking too much may be referred to as "chundering", having a "liquid laugh", or a "technicolour yawn".
So, the next time you find yourself at an Aussie pub or bar, you'll be able to keep up with the local slang!
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Australian insults and diminutives
Australian English uses diminutives more extensively than any other dialect. While many other dialects use diminutives to imply smallness or in a childish context, Australian English uses them in a non-childish manner. Diminutives in Australian English are usually formed by taking the first part of a word and adding an ending such as "-a", "-o", "-ie", or "-y". Sometimes, no ending is added. For example, an ambulance paramedic is called an "ambo", and McDonald's Australia has embraced the diminutive "Macca's".
The use of diminutives in Australian English is believed to reflect Australian cultural values of mateship, friendliness, informality, and solidarity. They are also used to make interactions more informal, friendly, and relaxed. Some common Australian diminutives include "arvo" (afternoon), "barbie" (barbeque), "brekkie" (breakfast), "smoko" (cigarette break), "mozzies" (mosquitoes), "stubbies" (small beer bottles), "cossie" (swimming costume), "footy" (rugby), "tellie" (television), "roo" (kangaroo), "sunnies" (sunglasses), and "lippie" (lipstick).
Australian English also has a wide range of slang insults. The term "mate", for instance, can be used in a friendly or insulting manner. It is often used to refer to an acquaintance who is disliked or considered a "dickhead". Pointing to a strange-looking person and saying, "that's you" is another example of an Australian insult.
Australian slang also includes creating nicknames for banknotes based on their colour. For example, a $20 note is called a "lobster". Other slang terms include "G'day" (hello), "Galah" (a fool or silly person, also a type of bird), and "She'll be apples" (it'll be fine).
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Australian expressions of appreciation
Australian English is very informal and often peppered with swear words and phrases that some visitors may find quite vulgar. However, swearing is a hallmark of the Australian language and is mostly not said to offend or shock others.
A common expression of appreciation in Australia is "good on ya" or "good on you", which is used to show approval or to express heartfelt congratulations. It can also be used sarcastically when one wants to be a little mean without uttering a mean word. This phrase is often shortened to "gooy" in colloquial speech. Other variations include "good onya mate" or "good onya sport".
Another way to express appreciation in Australia is to say "no worries" or "no dramas", which is used to convey that something was no trouble or that it was alright. This phrase is often used in response to someone saying "thank you" or expressing gratitude.
A few other Australian expressions of appreciation include:
- "She'll be apples": This phrase is used to indicate that everything will be okay or that something is good.
- "Ripper" or "rippah": This word describes something great or fantastic. For example, "This bottle of wine is a ripper".
- "Cooee": This word is used to gain someone's attention or to express excitement or happiness.
- "G'day": This is a friendly greeting often used to ask someone how they are doing.
- "Mate": This term is used to address someone in a positive and friendly way, especially among guys.
- "Beauty": This word is used to express delight or happiness about something. For example, "Beauty, that's fantastic news!".
- "Too easy": This phrase is used to indicate that something is simple or straightforward. It can also be used to express appreciation when someone does something for you.
- "You little ripper": This phrase is used to express delight or happiness, often in response to something cute or heartwarming.
- "You little beauty": Similar to "you little ripper", this phrase is used to express joy or happiness.
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Frequently asked questions
Australians might say "How are you going?" to ask how someone is or to ask if they are OK.
Australians use the word "yarn" to refer to a chat or a story.
Australians use the word "barbie" to refer to a barbeque.
"Woop woop" means an isolated place or a destination outside of your local area, usually far away.
