Essential Australian Vernacular Phrases for First-Time Visitors
Australians have earned a reputation for incorporating their unique spin on the English language.
In the English-speaking world, they're known for shortening words such as "sunglasses" to "sunnies," or changing "swimsuit" to "swimmers." The list goes on.
Over time, Australian slang has become an amusing topic online, with expressions often turning into TikTok trends or finding their way into mainstream culture.
Amanda Laugesen, the chief editor of the Australian National Dictionary, shares her thoughts with CNN Travel through the Australian National University (ANU). Laugesen explains that many Australian expressions have roots in British English, but Australian English has also acknowledged words from the country's Indigenous languages.
The theme of fairness and anti-authoritarianism has emerged in the lingo as it has evolved over time, Laugesen notes.
If you're planning to apply for citizenship or simply visit Australia, here are some authentic expressions you won't want to miss:
Discuss your thoughts
In Australia, "discuss your thoughts" is another way of saying "chat." To have a chat simply means to engage in conversation.
A chat in itself is a tale. For instance, someone might “have a chat for you.”
Tough labor
According to ANU, "yakka" refers to strenuous work or hard labor.
The term originated from "yaga," which means "work" in the Yagara language – the traditional language of the Yagara people who reside in the area around what is now known as Brisbane.
Yes or no, make up your mind
Aussies often use "yeah" at the start of their sentences. However, it can be challenging to determine if someone is saying yes or no.
The phrase "yeah, nah" is equivalent to saying no.
"Are you coming to the beach today?"
"Yeah, nah, not likely."
Out of this world
Aussies use this phrase to express frustration or disbelief at a particular situation.
It can also be used as "far out Brussels sprout!"
Very remote location
The phrase Aussies use to describe a location far removed from where they are.
It's usually far away and often associated with a backward or outdated place.
"They're living out in the boondocks."
Nervous or anxiety
What many young Aussies say if they feel anxious or overthinking a situation. They'll say they're "noisy."
Be quiet
Simply put, be silent.
However, in Aussie culture, it's not particularly offensive.
Face reality
This phrase comes from the classic Australian film "The Castle," where the main character, Daryl Kerrigan, refuses to give up his home as the bank tries to acquire it to build an airport.
Every time Kerrigan makes an offer, he responds with "Tell him he's dreaming!"
Now, the phrase has become more widely used in response to what appears to be an unrealistic request.
Laugesen tells CNN Travel that by the end of the 19th century, Australians had fully embraced their distinctive accent and language – a characteristic that today distinguishes Australians from the British.
"A lot of this is quite colloquial and informal," she says. "Embracing what we'd now consider mild swearing as being distinctively Australian."
Anger and frustration
An example of informality in the Australian language is the expression "cracking the sh*ts."
It may not sound appealing, but it doesn't mean what you might think.
To crack the sh*ts means to become really angry at a situation. It's similar to having a temper tantrum.
Best in class
If someone is the "ants' pants," they're outstanding.
This phrase is used to express something being top-notch.
Pushing through obstacles
In Australia, a "battler" is someone who perseveres - even in challenging circumstances.
According to the ANU, it refers to an individual with few natural advantages who works diligently while receiving little reward, and who demonstrates courage in doing so.
Relax and unwind
Simply, take it easy.
Relax your farm is a way of telling someone to calm down.
Work like a lizard drinking water
Devote your full energy to a task.
For example, if someone calls you while you're at work, you might respond with, "Can't talk, I'm flat out like a lizard drinking water."
No worries
Simply: no problem, don't worry about it, all good.
It will be fine
According to ANU, Australian English often uses the femine pronoun "she" where standard English might use "it."
She'll be right essentially means everything will be fine.
At the 2002 Winter Olympics, Steven Bradbury trailed at the rear of the men’s 1,000-meter short-track speed skating final group, when all of a sudden the front-runner tumbles, bringing down other athletes ahead.
Bradbury, maintaining a significant distance behind, dashes through the pack and clinches gold, making him Australia’s first-ever Winter Olympics champion.
This incident is now a notorious cultural symbol for Australians, so the phrase “do a Bradbury” is used when someone makes an unexpected victory.
Have a whinge
The term “whinge” is an Australian lingo for someone who doesn’t get their way and is consequently disappointed or upset. To have a whinge means to be in a poor mood. Oftentimes, Aussies refer to an individual as a “whingy-blighter” if they remain in a bad mood despite not getting what they had wished for.
Interestingly, based on the Oxford English Dictionary, the word’s earliest known usage appeared in the 1850s in the UK and is derived from the verb: “to whinge.” Truly, it seems to have not lingered in British English. Regardless of its origins, it’s widely used in Australian spoken language and deserves recognition.
A hen
A hen is merely a chicken. It’s a vital term to learn in Australia because roast hens are sold in supermarkets and are greatly popular. Hen raffles are also held in pubs and clubs across the country, where winners receive hens in the raffle.
The term was first recorded as “chuckey” in 1855, according to the ANU, and has since evolved to refer to other birds, and sometimes older women in the form “old hen.”
‘I didn’t fall off the last log!’
An expression Australians utilize to suggest they’re not dumb. According to the ANU, this phrase can be employed in response to someone who attempts to belittle you, indicating you possess more intelligence or street-smartness than given credit for.
At times, it can be utilized when someone tries to explain a straightforward process, as if it were complicated to the person doing it. For example:
“You should check the temperature before embarking on a hike.”
“Of course, mate! I didn’t fall off the last log!”
Just insert an ‘o’
One thing Aussies enjoy doing is adding an “o” or an “ie” at the end of an abbreviated term to shorten it, as per Laugussen. Some of those words include:
Service station: A fuel station, shortened from service station to “service station” or simply “servo.”
Paramedic: An ambulance officer.
Liquor shop: In Australia, you can only buy alcohol from licensed shops that specifically sell alcoholic beverages. They are commonly known as bottle-o’s.
Afternoon: Australians refer to the afternoon as “arvo.”
Avocado: An avocado is called “avo” in Australia. It’s crucial to distinguish the two.
In Australia, if you're looking to travel and immerse yourself in the local culture, you might want to learn some unique expressions. For example, instead of asking someone to "discuss their thoughts," you could say "chat with them." This phrase means to have a conversation and is a common way of communicating in Australia. Additionally, if you come across some "tough labor" or hard work, Australians often refer to it as "yakka." This term originated from the Yagara language, which is the traditional language of the Yagara people who live in Brisbane's area.
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