Australians are known world-wide for their unique accents and slang. Yes, Aussies speak English, but it’s not the kind of English we often encounter on TV or in books. If you’re an international student living in Australia, communicating fluently may take some adjustment. We’re here to help you get accustomed to some words and phrases that are new to your ears.

Stay in the loop and impress your Aussie friends with these 15 noteworthy Aussie slang words and phrases:

Ankle biter

A term used to refer to small children

Barbie

Short for barbecue, as in “Let’s go to Jack’s for a barbie!”

Bludger

A lazy person

Bottle-o

Aussie term for a liquor store

Carrying on like a pork chop

Something you do when overreacting or getting dramatic over a small matter

Crikey

The most common exclamation in Australia when surprised

Good on you

“Well done!” or “Good job!”

Knackered

You’re knackered when you are fully exhausted

On your bike

Used to send someone annoying away, as in “Get on your bike!”

Put a sock in it!

A term that shuts people up when you absolutely need them to be quiet

She’ll be right!

An optimistic remark, reassuring one’s self or another that it will all be okay

Slab

This is what you call a carton of beer in The Oz

Too right

When you agree with another person’s statement, you say, “Too right!”

Veg out

This means to chill out, to relax, to take it easy.

Woop woop

Being in the middle of nowhere, or in isolated Australian country towns

 

How many of these terms have you heard and used? Watch out for another list guiding you through Aussie slang!

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Want to get an Australian gift?

Get unique gifts with an Australian twist in two places:

1. https://www.redbubble.com/people/revolutionaus/shop
2. https://society6.com/revolutionaustralia/wall-art