These are the Australian words and phrases I encounter in everyday life. I learned them in everyday conversations, advertisements, newsletters and invitations.
A
Arvo – afternoon
I encountered this in a text message. See you this arvo.
B
Barbie – barbecue
Let’s have some barbie.
Bloke – man or guy
Did you see that bloke out there? He is huge!
Bottle-shop – liquor shop
The wine costs $10 at the bottle-shop.
Bush- the Outback, anywhere that isn’t in town
I think we are lost. The GPS led us to the bush!
BYO – Bring your own
Brekkie – short for breakfast
Let’s have brekkie at Macca’s.
Bring a plate– share some food, bring your own food
The meeting is at 4 pm, bring a plate.
C
Chook – a chicken
The chook tastes good!
E
Ekka – the Brisbane Exhibition, an annual show of animals, goods and rides galore
I really wanted to go to the Ekka!
F
Fairy floss – cotton candy
Fairy floss booths are often seen in school fiestas and holiday events.
Freddo – a frog character on one of the small wrappers of Cadbury chocolates
Let us sell some freddos for fundraising.
G
G’day – This means good day but it is used to greet someone like Hello.
G’day is often the word I hear every time a bloke greets me.
Gold coin donation – $1 or $2 donation
In fundraising events, the entrance is a gold coin donation.
Grog – liquor, beer
They drank too much grog at the party.
J
Joggers- rubber shoes, running shoes
Don’t forget to bring your joggers for P.E.
K
Kindy – Kindergarten
I enrolled my son in Kindy.
L
Lollies – sweets, candy
Too many lollies are not good for your teeth.
M
Macca’s – Mcdonald’s
I want to eat a happy meal at Macca’s.
Mate – buddy, friend
What is going on mate? Are you all right?
Mozzies – mosquitoes
Wear insect repellent! There are so many mozzies out here!
N
No worries- expression of forgiveness or reassurance
Oh, I am sorry. I cannot come to your party. Answer: No worries.
This is my favorite expression because it calms me.
O
Oz – Australia
On a t-shirt: I love Oz.
P
Pavlova – rich, creamy dessert with strawberries, kiwi, raspberries and other fruits on top
Pavlova is a dessert worth trying. It is a meringue with fruits and cream on top.
Prawn – use prawn not shrimp. I don’t hear Australians say shrimp at a seafood market.
A kilo of prawns is worth $11.
S
See you later – expression after talking to them
The bloke at the cash register said, “ See you later.” I took that seriously. In my mind I was thinking: Why will the man see me later? Does he know my address? Is he a stalker? I learned it was just an expression.
State of Origin – It is an epic rugby league football battle between Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues. The games are really awesome!
Sunnies – sunglasses
Wear your sunnies not just to be cool but to protect your eyes.
T
Togs – swimwear
Don’t forget to bring your togs for your swimming lessons.
Tradie – tradesman
We need a tradie to fix the roof.
Tuckshop – canteen
Students get their snacks and lunches at the tuckshop.
U
Ute- pick-up truck
The ute was used to deliver the sofa bought from a garage sale.
V
Vinnies – St. Vincent de Paul’s, charity thrift store
Families starting a new life in Australia can buy second-hand goods at Vinnies.
W
What do you reckon? – What is your opinion?
Do we need to serve more drinks? What do you reckon?
Do you want to learn more Australian words and phrases? Click here.
