9 Australian Slang Words You Should Know
Australian slang is almost a language of its own. Aussies (as they're also called) love to play with words, and to use shortened terms to explain things. Though some of them have roots in British English, Australian English has grown and changed into its own interesting type of language.
Many people recognize phrases like "shrimp on the barbie" (which isn't actually said in Australia), and "roo" (for kangaroo), but there are many more phrases that you'd hear during a trip or English course in Australia.
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Here's a list of 9 Australian slang words you should know
1. cya this arvo - See you this afternoon.
Cya this arvo in class!
2. daks - trousers (UK), pants (US)
I got some new daks yesterday at the shop.
3. dunnie - toilet, bathroom
D'ya know where the dunnie is, mate?
4. earbashing - constant chatter/talking
Her earbashing while I tried to study was driving me crazy!
5. fair dinkum - genuine, real
Anna's a fair dinkum Aussie.
6. heaps - a lot, lots
Thanks heaps for your help.
7. hooroo - goodbye
Hooroo mate, see ya tomorrow.
8. rellies - relatives
The rellies are in town this weekend and we're going to the beach.
9. thong - flip flops
I need a new pair of thongs, these are about to break.
(Special thanks to Anna, our model from the Spooky post, who explained these Aussie slang terms for us.)
The best way to learn new Australian slang is to study English in Australia, mate. If you want to find out more about one of our Australian schools, contact a student advisor today!