The Land Down Under is an interesting place. Not only is it a pretty good distance from any other continent or landmass, but it is also different in other ways. It’s climate, flora, and fauna, all reflect a very unique world that has developed its own traditions and cultures. Don’t get us wrong, though. Australia is still very much a part of the Commonwealth and retains the Queen as its head of state. While this doesn’t mean much in terms of actual governance, it does make clear the point that Australia has strong ties to its former colonial power, the United Kingdom. This means that culturally, linguistically, and historically, Australia has much in common with its Commonwealth counterparts around the globe.
In spite of this, the Land Down Under has managed to create its own lingo and vocabulary that makes it uniquely distinct from other English speaking nations. If you are planning to visit in the near future it would behoove you to understand some of the linguistic characteristics of this nation-continent. As with other English dialects, Australian English has its own intonation and vocabulary that natives use liberally. These are 25 funny Australian slang phrases from the Land Down Under!
Feature Image: pixabay
Chucking a sickie
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: taking a sick day off from work when you’re not really sick
Grommet
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: a young surfer
Arvo
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: afternoon
Servo
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: gas station
Slab
Source: reddit, Image: pixabayMeaning: 24-pack of beer
Togs
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: swimsuit
Ta
Source: reddit, Image: picserver.orgMeaning: thank you
Whinge
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: to whine
She'll be right
Source: reddit, Image: davef3138 via FlickrMeaning: everything will be OK
Mozzie
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: mosquito
Bottle-O
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: liquor store
Aside from these hilarious Australian slang phrases, why not check out some of Australia’s most dangerous animals!
Ripper
Source: reddit, Image: pixabayMeaning: awesome/really cool/great
Barbie
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: barbeque
Sweet as
Source: reddit, Image: pixabayMeaning: really sweet (“as” is an adjective amplifier)
Root
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: sexual intercourse (don’t tell Aussies you “root” for your team, this would sound wrong. Say that you “barrack” instead.)
Pash rash
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: a rash that comes from kissing someone with a beard (a pash is a long kiss)
Esky
Source: reddit, Image: pixabayMeaning: a cooler with drinks
Bogan
Source: reddit, Image: Joe Sepielli via FlickrMeaning: a redneck
Sook
Source: reddit, Image: Felinest via FlickrMeaning: to sulk, one who sulks (too much whinging will make people think you are a sook)
Tradie
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: a tradesman. These include brickies (bricklayers), truckies (truck drivers), and sparkies (electricians)
Chockers
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: very full
Fair dinkum
Source: reddit, Image: pixabayMeaning: genuine/true
Roo
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: kangaroo
Stubbie holder
Source: reddit, Image: pixabayMeaning: a cooler (stubbies are beers)
Ute
Source: reddit, Image: wikipediaMeaning: a pickup truck
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