Lexi Webster
The Australian accent is known for its unique sound and slang phrases. While Australians speak English, their accent and use of slang set them apart. The Australian accent is characterised by drawn-out vowels, a lack of emphasis on certain letters, and a nasal twang. Additionally, Australians are known for their use of slang phrases such as no worries and how ya goin'??. So, whether it's leaving off the r sound at the end of words or using phrases like brekkie instead of breakfast, Australians have a distinct way of speaking that reflects their casual and friendly culture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Drop the "r" sound at the end of words | "Matter" becomes "matte", "river" becomes "riva", "together" becomes "tagetha" |
| Add a soft "r" to long "o" sounds | "No" becomes "naur" |
| Expand long vowels into multiple vowel sounds | "Nice" becomes "noice" |
| Draw out and bend vowels | "That hat" becomes "theht heht" |
| End sentences with "but", "as", "hey", or "aye" | "The weather is cold as" or "Why didn't Tommo come to the party, hey?" |
| End sentences with a rising inflection | Even if it isn't a question |
| Speak quietly | Aussies speak more quietly as a matter of common courtesy |
| Speak with a nasal twang | Add a smile when you practice the accent |
| Abbreviate words | Breakfast becomes "brekkie", afternoon becomes "arvo", McDonald's becomes "Maccas", definitely becomes "defo" |
| Use common slang phrases | "No worries", "How ya goin'?" |
| Use "rise up lights" | When said quickly, it sounds like "razor blades" with an Australian accent |
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What You'll Learn
'Rise up lights' sounds like 'razor blades'
Saying "rise up lights" quickly with an American accent is said to sound like an Australian saying "razor blades". This is due to the way Australians speak, where sentences flow together and the ends of words are indistinguishable, cut off, or blended together.
The Australian language is full of slang, and they have a distinct accent. To sound Australian, it is recommended to abbreviate words, for example, calling breakfast "brekkie", the afternoon "arvo", McDonald's "Maccas", and definitely "defo". Another tip is to not pronounce the "r" at the end of words, so "river" becomes "riva", and "together" becomes "tagetha".
Additionally, Australians tend to drop the "g" at the end of words, so "catching" becomes "catchin'" and "kicking" becomes "kickin'". The "ah" sound in words like "that" or "hat" should be pronounced as the "eh" sound in "egg", so "that hat" becomes "theht heht".
It is also common to end sentences with "but", "as", "hey", or "aye", for example, "The weather is cold as" or "Why didn't Tommo come to the party, hey?". Australians also tend to end sentences with a rising inflection, even if the sentence is not a question, creating a sense of surprise.
While using slang can make one sound more natural in their speech, it is important to use it correctly and in the appropriate context to avoid sounding strange or unclear.
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Abbreviate words, e.g. 'breakfast' = 'brekkie'
Australians are known for their use of slang and abbreviations in everyday conversation. One of the most well-known Australian tips for speaking like a local is to abbreviate words. This is particularly common when it comes to the word "breakfast", which is often shortened to "brekkie". While some people prefer "brekky", "brekkie" is considered the best-looking and most widely accepted version of the abbreviation. It is even recognised by the Macquarie and Oxford dictionaries as an official shortened form of the word.
Abbreviating words is a common feature of Australian English, and it is not just limited to the word "breakfast". For example, "afternoon" becomes "arvo", "McDonald's" becomes "Maccas", and "definitely" becomes "defo". It is said that you can probably make up your own abbreviations, and they will likely sound Australian. A general rule of thumb is to shorten the word and add "o", "i", "e", or "y".
Another tip for speaking like an Australian is to drop the "r" sound at the end of words. For example, "river" becomes "riva", and "soccer" becomes "socka" (or "footie"). Additionally, the "g" sound at the end of words like "catching" and "kicking" is often dropped, so they become "catchin'" and "kickin'''.
It is worth noting that while using slang can make you sound more natural in your speech, it is important to use it correctly and in the appropriate context. When used out of context or inappropriately, slang can sound strange and may indicate that you do not fully understand the language.
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'No worries' is the national motto
The Australian language is characterised by a casual tone and a unique accent. It is full of slang and a relaxed, easygoing attitude. One of the most famous Australian slang phrases is 'No worries'. It is said to be the national motto of Australia. This expression means "do not worry about it", "it’s all right", "sure thing", or "you’re welcome". For example, when you bump into someone on the train and apologise, they may respond with “no worries”, meaning “it’s all right”.
The Australian accent is quite distinct and has some interesting features. One notable characteristic is the omission of the "r" sound at the end of words. For instance, “river” becomes “riva”, and “together” becomes “tagetha”. This omission of the "r" sound is also evident in the phrase "rise up lights", which, when said quickly, sounds like "razor blades" with an Aussie accent. This phrase has gained some popularity as a fun way for people to mimic the Australian accent.
Another tip for speaking like an Australian is to abbreviate words. Breakfast becomes "brekkie", afternoon becomes "arvo", and McDonald's is often referred to as "Maccas". This shortening of words is a common feature of Australian English and can be done quite freely, adding an "o", "i", "e", or "y" to the end of the truncated word.
Additionally, Australians tend to draw out their vowels and blend them into multiple vowel sounds. For example, the word "nice" may be pronounced as "noice". This elongation and blending of vowels contribute to the unique sound of the Australian accent.
To truly sound Australian, it's important to adopt a more laid-back and casual tone in your conversations. Australians are known for their friendly and informal demeanour, and this is reflected in their language. So, when speaking with an Aussie accent, imagine you're chatting with a mate rather than a professor or a high-ranking official.
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Drop the 'r' sound at the end of words
The Australian accent is characterised by several unique features, one of which is the dropping of the letter 'r' from the end of certain words. This phenomenon is known as a non-rhotic accent, and it is also found in most of England and parts of the USA. In non-rhotic accents, the 'r' sound is often added back in when the next word starts with a vowel, a trait known as an intrusive 'r'. For example, an Australian would say “Obama said” but “Obamer is”.
When speaking like an Australian, it is important to remember to drop the 'r' sound at the end of words. For instance, the word "river" would be pronounced as "riva," and "soccer" would become "socka". This trait is not limited to just these two words; you can drop the 'r' sound from the end of most words to sound more Australian.
Additionally, Australians tend to abbreviate many words. For example, "breakfast" becomes "brekkie," "afternoon" becomes "arvo," and "McDonald's" is often shortened to "Maccas." This practice of abbreviating words is common in Australian English and can be applied to many other words as well.
Another key characteristic of the Australian accent is the lack of annunciation. Australians tend to speak with their mouths less open than Americans, resulting in words blending together. This gives the impression that the end of words is cut off or indistinguishable.
Finally, Australians have a unique vocabulary of slang words and phrases that can help you sound more authentic. One well-known example is "no worries," which can mean "do not worry about it," "it's all right," "sure thing," or "you're welcome." Using slang appropriately can make your speech sound more natural and show your understanding of the language in a social context.
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End sentences with 'but', 'as', 'hey' or 'aye'
To sound Australian, you can transpose some vowels in words and gloss over others. For example, "Answer the phone" becomes "Eensah the fine."
Now, onto ending sentences with "but," "as," "hey," or "aye."
"But" is a conjunction or linking word used to connect clauses or sentences or to coordinate words within the same clause. Ending a sentence with "but" is generally not grammatically correct, but it can be used to create a dramatic pause. For example, "I could help you, of course, but..."
"As" is often used to introduce a clause that provides additional information about something mentioned earlier in the sentence. While it is not common to end a sentence with "as", it is not necessarily incorrect. For instance, "How well loved I am in Ireland, aye."
"Hey" is typically used as an interjection to get someone's attention or as an exclamation. It is not commonly used to end a sentence, but there are some instances where it can be used for emphasis or surprise. For example, "Hey, that's less than a week away!"
"Aye" is a word indicating positive confirmation, often used in voting. It is not typically used to end a sentence, but it can be employed for emphasis or to signify agreement. For instance, "You sound irate, but surely the tale illustrates how... How well loved I am in Ireland, aye."
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Frequently asked questions
Drop the "r" sound at the end of words, like pronouncing "matter" as "matte". Draw out your vowels, and add a soft "r" to long "o" sounds, so "no" becomes "naur".
Aussies often use the phrase "no worries", which can mean "do not worry about it", "it's all right", "sure thing", or "you're welcome". "How ya goin'?" is also commonly used to mean "How's it going?" or "How are you doing?".
In Sydney, "think" is pronounced as "th-i-nk", with a soft "i", and not too much emphasis.
End sentences with words like "but", "as", "hey", or "aye", such as "The weather is cold, as?". Also, end sentences with a rising inflection, even if it's not a question.
Try saying "rise up lights" quickly and repeatedly. It should start to sound like you're saying "razor blades" with an Australian accent.
