AUSTRALIAN SLANG
From arvo to hard yakka
Everyday abbreviations, classic expressions and modern Australian slang—clearly explained.
A useless, foolish or irresponsible person.
A toilet, especially an outdoor toilet.
Australian slang for a youth subculture associated with streetwear and distinctive speech.
An insulated portable cooler or ice box.
Genuine, truthful or an expression of surprise asking whether something is real.
Firefighters.
Espresso with steamed milk and a thin layer of microfoam, strongly associated with Australia and New Zealand.
Football; the specific code depends on location and context.
Fremantle in Western Australia.
A freshwater crocodile.
A rumour, false report or unlikely story.
A common Australian greeting meaning good day or hello.
A foolish, noisy or silly person, named after the Australian bird.
A rubbish or garbage collector.
The Gold Coast in Queensland.
An expression of praise, encouragement or sometimes sarcasm.
An unpleasant, foolish or contemptible person.
Excellent or very good, especially associated with Victorian speech.
Hard work or physically demanding labour.
Complain, sulk or cry over something.
Have a conversation or tell a story.
A person who drives dangerously or noisily, often showing off.
Driving a vehicle recklessly, noisily or in an antisocial manner.
An Australian greeting asking how someone is doing.
A cricket appeal asking the umpire whether a batter is out.
A husband.
A chilled coffee drink; in some Australian states it is a particularly strong local convenience-store tradition.
A journalist.
Kindergarten or preschool.
Extremely tired.
A cheeky, irreverent person who challenges authority but is often viewed affectionately.
A sweet or piece of candy.
Espresso coffee topped with hot water, similar to an Americano but prepared differently.
The common Australian nickname for McDonald’s.
A trip to McDonald's, often casual or late at night.
A supporter or player of Queensland's State of Origin team, pronounced mar-own in this context.