Although Australians and Americans share a common language, English, there are many disparities in ever day slang. Of course there are some expressions that have become world known, “G’day mate,” for example. I wanted to learn the real Aussie slang. I have spent the last few days taking in as much slang as I could from friends, professors, and eavesdropping on the tram. I have come up with a list that encompasses the common terms to the obscure. Consider this the Australian Slang Rosetta Stone.
- No worries – Not a problem, don’t worry about it
“Thanks for making me a sandwich.” “No worries.”
- Hoon – A young reckless driver
“That crazy hoon just hit an old lady.”
- Bogan – Someone of a lower class, redneck
“That guy with the mullet is a total bogan.”
- Reckon – To figure, guess
“I reckon I should take a shower.”
- Maccas – Short for McDonald’s
“I’m going to Maccas to get a family meal for myself.”
- Jug – A pitcher of alcohol
“Can I please have six jugs of Carlton for me and my two friends?”
- Good on ya – Good for you
“I just ate 50 chicken nuggets.” “Oh good on ya!”
- How ya going – How are you doing
“How ya going Stephen? Still feeling moody?”
- Sweet as – Awesome
“Sweet as bro!”
*The word “as” can be preceded by any adjective, dumb as, hard as, etc.
- Divvy van – A cop car
“She went home in a divvy van.”
Finally, here are a few old school Australian insults that I have very little idea of their true meaning:
- “Stone the crows and starve the flaming lizards.”
- “Don’t come to raw prawn with me sport.”
Enjoy and repeat these sayings.
G’day! You might enjoy my Aussie slang quiz at Squidoo. http://www.squidoo.com/quiz-do-you-know-your-aussie-slang- .Hope you enjoy your time in Australia:-)